Lotus reveals LEVA, its new EV platform

Lotus Engineering’s Project LEVA has been carried out with the assistance from UK Government and will enable the carmaker to design and produce all kinds of EVs rated up to 880 PS (868 hp / 647 kW).

The company claims the new technological architecture will lend itself to cars of all sizes, layouts and market segments. Below, we will list the three standard layouts revealed during the presentation.

Number one is for a two-seat sports car with 2,470 mm (96.5 inches) of wheelbase – slightly less than the Lotus Emira has. This one comes powered by a single electric motr rated at 475 PS (468 hp / 350 kW) and a 66.4-kWh traction battery.

Number two has a maximum wheelbase length of 2,650 mm (103.5 inches) and a battery unit rated at 99.6 kilowatt-hours. It is also a two-seater layout and can use dual motors for up to 880 PS (868 hp / 647 kW).

Number three supports and or two electric motors and comes with a smaller battery, but offers a second seat row.

Battery placement depends on the layout in each case. Two-seaters have most of the cells installed behind the seats for optimum weight distribution and lower floor level, while four-seaters keep all of their cells at the bottom, ensuring a lower center of gravity and maximizing cabin space.

Aside from building new sports cars based on its new LEVA platform, Lotus plans to license it out to third parties. It remains to be announced when the development is complete, though.