British sports car manufacturer Lotus is undergoing a radical transformation, moving away from its core philosophy of simplicity and lightweight design. The company’s latest move – introducing a high-power plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of its Eletre SUV, dubbed the “For Me” – marks a significant departure from its historical roots.
The Eletre For Me: A New Direction
The Lotus For Me is essentially an Eletre with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine added to the mix. While the exterior design remains largely unchanged, featuring sleek LED headlights and a redesigned grille to accommodate the new engine, the powertrain represents a fundamental shift.
The combined output of the engine and dual electric motors reaches 952 horsepower, enabling a 0–62 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds. The 70-kWh battery provides a 261-mile pure electric range (based on the CLTC test cycle), with DC fast charging capabilities reaching 80 percent in eight minutes using its 900-volt architecture.
Geely’s Influence and the Chinese Connection
The For Me’s engine originates from Geely’s Zeekr brand, which also owns Lotus. The powertrain uses a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), commonly found in Chinese plug-in hybrids. Photos of the For Me have already been released through China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), as is standard for vehicle homologation in the country.
This collaboration highlights Lotus’s increasing reliance on Geely’s resources and its strategic focus on the Chinese market, where regulatory transparency often means early exposure of upcoming models.
A Heavier, More Complex Lotus
The For Me weighs in at up to 5,787 pounds, making it one of the heaviest vehicles ever to wear the Lotus badge. The addition of the combustion engine and its associated components adds complexity to a brand once synonymous with minimalist engineering.
Unlike traditional Lotus vehicles known for their raw driving experience, the For Me prioritizes electric propulsion, potentially sacrificing some of the emotional connection that enthusiasts have come to expect.
Market Realities Drive the Change
Lotus’s shift towards PHEVs is driven by slowing EV demand and changing market conditions. The company initially planned to phase out internal combustion engines by 2028, but has now reversed course, citing weak demand for high-end EVs, particularly after the expiration of the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit in the United States.
The For Me is intended to bridge the gap until EV demand recovers, with plans to introduce PHEV versions of other models, including the Emira sports car in 2027 and potentially the Emeya sedan.
Limited US Prospects
The Lotus For Me will first launch in China before potentially reaching Europe in late 2026. Its arrival in the United States is unlikely due to tariffs on Chinese-made cars. The Eletre itself is more closely aligned with Zeekr or Volvo than the lightweight sports cars that defined Lotus under Colin Chapman.
Lotus’s recent decisions reflect a pragmatic response to market pressures, but they also represent a significant departure from the brand’s historical identity. The For Me signals a new era for Lotus, one where practicality and commercial viability may outweigh the pursuit of pure driving enjoyment.
