Lotus has announced that the Emira will be its final internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, signaling a shift towards electric vehicles by 2028. Despite rumors of delays, this strategic move remains unchanged, driven by the vision of its parent company, Geely. This transition poses unique challenges for Lotus, known for its lightweight and sporty cars, as it prepares to replicate its hallmark features in an era dominated by heavy battery-laden electric vehicles (EVs). Through an extended test drive of the Emira, we explore what Lotus must achieve in its electric future.
A Closer Look at the Lotus Emira
In the heart of the automotive world, the Lotus Emira stands out with its sleek mid-engined design and striking aesthetics. The car's exterior exudes elegance, featuring gaping vents by the rear wheels and a fierce front end that accentuates its aggressive stance. While the V6 version is celebrated for its manual gearbox and superior performance, the 2-liter inline-four engine with an automatic transmission offers a more practical driving experience, especially in urban settings. This choice was made to better understand how an EV might feel behind the wheel, as manual gearboxes are unlikely to feature in future electric models.
The Emira's interior marks a significant departure from previous Lotus models, offering a modern and luxurious cabin that feels far removed from the utilitarian designs of the past. Equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system and Apple CarPlay support, the Emira provides a pleasant driving environment without compromising on performance. The car's handling is exceptional, with three distinct driving modes—Touring, Sport, and Track—that cater to various driving conditions. The Touring mode ensures smoothness and efficiency for everyday use, while Sport and Track modes enhance the driving experience for more spirited drives.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Emira is its fuel efficiency, delivering an impressive 38 miles per gallon during spirited driving across different road types. This economy is remarkable considering the car's speed and power. However, the shift to electric vehicles presents a significant challenge for Lotus. The weight of batteries in current EV technology makes replicating the Emira's lightweight and agile handling difficult. Lotus has teased its electric future with the Theory 1 concept, aiming for a target weight under 1,600kg, but this is still twice the weight of its iconic Elise model.
Reflections on the Future of Lotus and Electric Sports Cars
The transition from ICE to EV represents a pivotal moment for Lotus. As the brand moves forward, it must balance the pursuit of cutting-edge technology with the preservation of its core principles—lightweight design and exceptional handling. The Emira serves as a poignant reminder of what Lotus can achieve with traditional engineering, but the path ahead requires innovation in battery technology to maintain the brand's identity. Until then, enthusiasts may have to choose between the agility of lighter sports cars or the long-range capabilities of heavier EVs. This shift not only challenges Lotus but also reshapes the entire automotive industry, pushing manufacturers to rethink what defines a sports car in the electric age.
In a significant development last night, electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo officially declared bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The company, backed by Walmart, announced it would immediately halt all operations effective at 8:15 PM on January 17, 2025. Despite initial promise and collaborations with prestigious organizations like NASA, the Department of Defense, and the USPS, Canoo failed to establish a strong foothold in the market. This decision marks the end of the road for the company, as its remaining assets will now be managed by a court-appointed trustee for liquidation.
Founded with ambitious goals, Canoo initially garnered attention through pilot programs with notable entities. These partnerships included working with the United States Postal Service, the US Army, and even NASA. However, despite these high-profile connections, the company struggled to meet production targets or effectively deliver on its promises. Tony Aquila, CEO and one of the largest investors in Canoo, expressed gratitude towards the employees and partners who supported the venture. "We know that you believed in our company as we did," he stated, acknowledging the disappointment felt by both staff and stakeholders.
Reports from former employees have cast doubt on the company's internal management and operational efficiency. Rumors began circulating late last year, alleging mismanagement and non-functioning production lines. An unnamed employee revealed to a local news station that the Oklahoma plant, which received over $100 million in state incentives, did not produce any vehicles. Instead, they claimed that the few vehicles attributed to Canoo were actually manufactured in Texas. Such allegations highlight the challenges faced by Canoo in maintaining transparency and delivering on its commitments.
The dissolution of Canoo underscores the complexities involved in the electric vehicle industry. While the company's innovative ideas and strategic partnerships held potential, it ultimately fell short in execution. As Canoo transitions into liquidation, the focus shifts to ensuring a smooth process for asset management and providing support for displaced employees. The hope remains that those affected by this closure will find new opportunities in other sectors of the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 has ushered in a new era for the automotive industry, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and electric vehicles that promise to redefine transportation. The event brought together leading manufacturers, each presenting their latest creations designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
One of the most striking features of this year's expo was the integration of diverse expos under one roof. This comprehensive approach allowed attendees to explore not only cars and bikes but also drones and advanced charging infrastructure. Maruti Suzuki took center stage with seven lifestyle concept cars, offering a glimpse into the future of personal mobility. Models like the Swift Champions, Invicto Executive, and Brezza Powerplay showcased how existing vehicles can be transformed into unique, purpose-built machines. Meanwhile, VinFast made its Indian debut with the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs, signaling the brand's ambitious entry into the Indian market.
Electric vehicles dominated the spotlight, with Hyundai unveiling the Ioniq 9, an all-electric car equipped with a powerful 110.6 kWh battery pack that promises a range of up to 620 km on a single charge. Exicom introduced its Harmony Boost EV charging solution, integrating renewable energy with high-power public charging stations. Tata Motors also showcased the Punch Flex Fuel, capable of running on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E80, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Beyond the vehicles themselves, the expo highlighted the importance of innovation in shaping a greener future. From solar-powered cars like the Vayve Eva to drone taxis from Sarla Aviation, the event underscored the potential for technology to transform everyday travel. The presence of food stalls and interactive displays added a vibrant atmosphere, making the expo an engaging experience for visitors.
The Auto Expo 2025 is more than just a showcase of new models; it represents a pivotal moment in the transition towards sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, these advancements promise to enhance quality of life while reducing environmental impact. The expo serves as a testament to the collective effort of manufacturers, engineers, and policymakers working together to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.