The Lotus Evija, an all-electric hypercar boasting a staggering 2,000 hp, was initially unveiled almost five years ago. Production was slated to begin in 2020, but a series of setbacks pushed the launch back, with the first production models only now reaching customers in 2024. This delay of nearly half a decade has left enthusiasts and potential buyers eagerly anticipating the arrival of this groundbreaking vehicle. The Evija represents Lotus’s ambitious foray into the electric hypercar market, aiming to blend its renowned engineering expertise with cutting-edge EV technology.
With a price tag of around $2.3 million, the Evija is positioned as a premium, high-performance machine. It features a quad-motor setup, promising exceptional power and torque vectoring capabilities. Lotus has emphasized that the Evija, unlike some of its other recent EVs, adheres to the brand’s core philosophy of “adding lightness,” despite the inherent weight of electric powertrains. The manufacturer claims a weight of 4,160 pounds (1,887 kg), which is relatively light for an electric hypercar, though this figure hasn’t been recently updated.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 2,000 hp |
| Battery Capacity | 70 kWh |
| Weight | 4,160 lbs (1,887 kg) |
| Price | $2.3 million (approximate) |
Top Gear recently had the opportunity to test the production-spec Lotus Evija both on the track and on public roads. Their review paints a picture of a car with immense potential, but also with some limitations. While the Evija largely delivers on the promise of a thrilling driving experience, it’s not without its quirks.
On the track, the Evija’s handling characteristics are a major focus. Unlike some other high-powered electric hypercars, such as the Rimac Nevera, the Evija doesn’t allow the driver to completely disable traction and stability control systems. This means that drifting and sliding are largely off-limits; the car is designed for maximum grip and clean lap times. Top Gear noted that the Evija exhibits a tendency to understeer, a trait not uncommon in Lotus vehicles. However, the car’s torque vectoring system helps to mitigate this, correcting the car’s line and enhancing its cornering ability. The sheer force of the Evija’s acceleration out of corners is described as physically demanding on the driver, highlighting the raw power on tap.
Out on the road, the electronic stability systems remain active, which, according to the review, isn’t necessarily a negative. These systems allow the driver to find a rhythm and confidently string corners together, even with 2,000 hp available. This suggests that Lotus has successfully imbued the Evija with a degree of driver-focused character, a hallmark of the brand, even in an electric format.
The Lotus Evija inevitably draws comparisons to the Rimac Nevera, another all-electric hypercar with similar performance aspirations. One key difference lies in the level of control offered to the driver. The Rimac Nevera provides significantly more adjustability over the powertrain, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences and the specific conditions. This includes the ability to fully disable traction control and engage in drifting, something the Evija doesn’t permit.
Furthermore, the Rimac Nevera boasts a more advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, which typically translates to faster charging times and improved efficiency. It also offers a more usable range than the Evija’s relatively limited 195 miles (WLTP). Interestingly, the Rimac Nevera is also slightly less expensive than the Evija. Given these factors, Lotus may face challenges in selling all 130 units of the Evija that it initially planned to produce. While the company reported a few dozen orders early on, there has been no official announcement of a complete sell-out.
| Feature | Lotus Evija | Rimac Nevera |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Limited adjustability | Fully adjustable/Disable |
| Voltage Architecture | 400V (estimated) | 800V |
| WLTP Range | 195 miles (313 km) | ~340 miles (547 km) (estimated) |
| Price | $2.3 million (approximate) | ~$2.2 million (approximate) |
