The Electric Revolution of Lightness

Lotus has long been celebrated for its founding philosophy—thanks to Colin Chapman of “adding lightness.” Performance, he believed, starts with low mass, elegant engineering, and simplicity. Over the decades, Lotus built its reputation via agile sports cars, circuit-focused track cars, and a storied motorsport pedigree.

But the automotive landscape around them was shifting dramatically. Electric hypercars (e.g. Rimac, Pininfarina, etc.) were pushing boundaries not just in power, but in integrating electronics, energy density, battery tech, and packaging. Lotus needed to evolve—or risk being outpaced.

Enter Geely (which owns Lotus) and the push to leapfrog rather than just play catch-up. The Evija (codename Type 130) was conceived not merely as a halo car or showpiece, but as a declaration: Lotus can build one of the most extreme electric hypercars in the world.

Unveiled in July 2019, the Evija would become Lotus’s first all-electric road car. Production was strictly limited to 130 units, a nod to its project number. Deliveries, after delays (pandemic, engineering refinement), really started around 2023–2024. 

Name & Philosophy: “Evija” and What It Means

Pronounced “E-vi-ya,” the name carries deep significance. Derived from variations of Eve, it translates to “the first in existence” or “the living one.”

It perfectly captures Lotus’s vision for the Evija — a car that represents both a rebirth and a bold step into uncharted territory. This isn’t about following the electric hypercar movement; it’s about leading it with authenticity and innovation.

True to the brand’s DNA, the Evija embodies purity, precision, and driver focus — timeless Lotus values now expressed through a revolutionary electric architecture.

Power: 2,000 Horsepower of Silence

Underneath its sculpted skin lies a quad-motor setup producing a staggering 2,011 hp and 1,257 lb-ft of torque. Each wheel has its own electric motor, giving the Evija incredible precision and control through torque vectoring.

Performance is predictably outrageous—0–60 mph in under 3 seconds and 0–186 mph in less than 9 seconds. Top speed? Around 217 mph. The mid-mounted 93 kWh battery offers roughly 250 miles of range, and with 350 kW fast-charging, it can be fully recharged in under 20 minutes.

Despite the battery weight, the Evija remains relatively light for an EV hypercar—around 3,700 lbs—thanks to its carbon-fiber monocoque and magnesium wheels.

Interior: Minimalism, Elevated

Inside, the Evija walks a tightrope between hypercar exoticism and driver usability.

• The cabin is deeply driver-focused: low seating position, minimal distractions, and controls where your hands expect them.
• The steering wheel mimics F1/LMP-style layouts, with integrated buttons and alcantara/leather surfaces.
• Displays are digital and context-sensitive: information is surfaced only when needed, reducing clutter.
• Controls include multi-touch surfaces and haptic feedback in some places (touch-sensitive hexagonal panels, etc.).
• The balance between luxury and weight-saving is tricky, but Lotus seems to aim at a lean luxury: premium materials but nothing superfluous.

Special Editions & Track Heritage

To celebrate its legacy, Lotus built the Evija Fittipaldi, honoring Formula 1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi and the iconic Lotus 72. Only eight were made, featuring bespoke black-and-gold livery and historic design details.

More recently, the Evija X, a track-focused version, stunned the world by clocking a Nürburgring time around 6 minutes 24 seconds, placing it among the fastest EVs ever.

The Lotus Evija is the embodiment of Lotus’s vision for the future of performance. It marks the brand’s bold entry into the electric frontier, blending decades of motorsport heritage with cutting-edge innovation.

Engineered as a testbed for next-generation technologies—advanced torque vectoring, state-of-the-art aerodynamics, and high-density battery systems—the Evija sets the foundation for the next era of Lotus vehicles.

It stands as proof that a boutique British manufacturer can not only compete in the age of electrification, but lead it with character, courage, and craftsmanship. The Evija bridges the gap between track-developed engineering and road-going emotion, delivering an experience that’s both revolutionary and unmistakably Lotus.

Among today’s elite hypercars—the Rimac Nevera, Pininfarina Battista, and others—the Evija holds its own with unmatched design, presence, and power. Reviewers have praised its ambition and purity of purpose, calling it a glimpse into the future of performance “in all its glory.”

More Than a Hypercar

Driving or owning an Evija won’t be about practicality. It’s about owning a piece of automotive evolution: a hypercar that dares to mix Lotus’s lightness heritage with next-gen electric brute force.

When you see it on the road or at a show, it’s hard not to be awed—its body seems like it’s carved by wind, a sculpture that channels air through negative spaces. But feel that quiet surge, the torque vectoring shifting invisibly mid-corner—that’s where Evija reminds you it’s not just beauty, but cutting-edge performance.