DRIVEN - 905bhp Lotus Eletre R - The saviour of Lotus OR just wrong ?! | 4K

[@marcushinton772]

I know the roads you were driving on very well and it looked impressive especially going up the steep section. I'm not a mega Lotus fan but if it gives fans with a family an option and keeps Lotus alive then it's worth it. Styling is much better than a Lamborghini

[@PetrolPed]

Yes it was

[@davemackie2953]

Totally agree, without cars like this Lotus would die. I sold Lotus Carlton’s in the nineties and they weren’t lightweight but still a great car.

[@PetrolPed]

One of my favourites 👍

[@eugenux]

​@@PetrolPedGeely wants to sell and produce in China(Wuhan factory) 150k cars per year by 2027..and a maximum 5k in UK. All of the cars build in China will be on Geely's shared platforms and technologies... but you guys keep calling this fat SUV a Lotus still. I am embarrassed for the lack of your embarrassement. Lotus brand, with its real core values, will die once Emira gets out of production in 3 years.

[@simonm9923]

@@eugenuxfair enough. What is your alternative proposal to ensure Lotus’s future success? As much as all car fans might want them to continue with their traditional brand values, the market isn’t there, they have to do something else to fund the ‘toy’ cars.

[@Iceberg1313]

That colour is stunning, not gone myself on the black roof. The design on those rims is down right gorgeous. When you have that kind of power and enjoy driving, with the ability to do so properly, it'll be impossible to get anywhere near the designated range 😂. That inside is definitely for the Chinese market, bless them they do love their bling.

[@ThePorkypete51]

Lotus Carlton was not 2.5 tonne though

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

That range thing happened to me tonight in a turbo Diesel. I did a 20 mile round trip and gained 27 miles range.

[@johnbrown3951]

Was that what you call a splash and dash ?

[@robb9uk]

Spot on conclusion. If one values and cherishes the Lotus brand, the badge, the ethos and essence of what Lotus aspire to, then they have to love the Eletre for the Lotus vision to prevail in this era.

[@peterball4358]

Austin Allegro Quartic steering wheel. I always knew British Leyland were way ahead of their time. Bring back the wedge!

[@philedwards7174]

Actually side profile reminds me of an Austin Princess wedge😢

[@TheMentalblockrock]

but at least the Allegro could go more than 300 miles before re-filling!!! AND had an actual engine. I used to own an Allegro and would have another aggro over this monstrosity in a heart-beat.....

[@watchcommander2012]

That’s a very lovely looking EV SUV and that’s an exceptional colour choice. Lotus have been very brave to launch it. The range is disappointing but hey what EV on the market actually does the range the manufacturer states. Another great video Ped!

[@PetrolPed]

Couldn't agree more!

[@murrieteacher]

Peter, judging from your comments this vehicle is good. During the time I have been following you, I have seen what you drive, where you drive, and who asked you to drive. no one gets to drive the vehicles you have driven if they do not know how to drive competitively. Competitively? Well, isn't that how you drive a Lotus? It will take a while for them to make it out hear to Oz. But when they do I will be lining up to try one. 3.39 on a wet surface is bloody good! Thanks mate, I always enjoy your videos.

[@PetrolPed]

👍

[@philipmichaelhughes5719]

I’m sure I don’t want to have to dig out my old school slide rule before setting off anywhere, the only drag factor is these cars is that they are just a “drag!”

[@jamesdean2706]

I Love it, i saw one at Fully Charged Live at Farnborough last year and i loved it Soooo much.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

My initial response to the Eletre was “Why?”, but it didn’t take long to appreciate the need for Lotus to make a car of this sort. For as long as I’ve been a fan of cars, Lotus have either been close to bankruptcy or being taken over. Yes, they’ve been bought by the Geely Group, but finally they have an owner that will actually invest in the company and their products. Volvo and Polestar are great examples of what can be achieved with the right investment. Nice level of detail Ped! Thanks for sharing your experience with us 👍🏾

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@TheMentalblockrock]

Lotus has just become a hollow brand now, nothing more than a logo....very sad really......

[@leswood1747]

I struggle with the idea this is necessary as a “mass market” car, when the base model is £90,000, has 600bhp and weighs 2.5 tonnes. No issue with Lotus creating an electric suv, just that the Lotus ethos was about being lighter and more clever than the competition - this just seems like ‘more’ than the competition.

[@PetrolPed]

What I meant was born out by the numbers. Lotus sold less than 1000 cars in the UK last year. So far they have more than 8000 orders for Eletre. I call that mass market 👍

[@dannylo4807]

While i agree needing mass market model to fund the r&d etc… but lambo and porsche didnt have to rely on state sponsored fund…

[@stevebridge8668]

I will never own one of these, however bravo on your presentation, sound, filming and editing - all spot on! All the time and hard work you've put in is really obvious. Very high production values, so many thanks. 😊

[@PetrolPed]

Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@footey7670]

Absolutely love the colour and the aero is very slick !!! Vid was very well filmed Pete and the quality is amazing 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@tonymoreton7166]

What a colour! But, the EV thing will end in tears. Think PPI & diesel-gate x 10 or more. Also, the electric boot! Why aren't EV manufacturers making everything they can, manual? So ALL the battery power can be used to extend the range as much as possible?

[@SDK2006b]

What makes you say it’ll be diesel gate x10? 🤔 Also FYI : all of the internal electrical devices run off the 12v battery, not the large traction battery.

[@tonymoreton7166]

@@SDK2006b where does the charge for the 12v battery come from?

[@SDK2006b]

@@tonymoreton7166 - my point : the electrical devices - lights, wipers, audio, infotainment, heated seats/wheel, cameras etc… use very little power. A 75 kWh battery could keep these running for over a week (24/7) and still have energy remaining.

[@tonymoreton7166]

@@SDK2006b They do use low power compared to lugging around 2.5tne, agreed. But they do use some power, that ultimately comes either from the socket and/or kinetic energy from the engine/motor/car. A bit like aero & shedding weight, every little helps, if you are interested in saving the planet - LOL.

[@SDK2006b]

@@tonymoreton7166- forget the ‘saving the planet’ tag line, that comes from online click-bait media EV’s are about removing tail pipe pollution from the streets !

[@paulg2923]

Can see the effort you've put into this video Pete. A quality piece of work, multi camera, drones.. you name it you've done it.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for noticing. 2 days of filming and a 6 hour edit 👍

[@CampbellHancock-x4l]

💯 agree with this review - have had my Eletra S for 5 months, and absolutely ❤ it. Great review😊

[@PetrolPed]

Great to hear!

[@peterdew1966]

Great review Pete. I’m encouraged by your approach as so many reviewers seem to want the world to stop spinning so they can get off. The future is what it is going to be and we should embrace and applaud those manufacturers that are trying to make the most of it.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Peter. I just want to be a balance of content 👍

[@the_ambient_light]

And this is not the future. These “family” cars or SUV’s with over 600 bhp and huge kerb weights, are just not efficient. Manufacturers were judged on efficiency with petrol and diesel engines, why isn’t this happening anymore. Just another pointless car l, regardless of whether it’s a Lotus or not.

[@_Ben4810]

I think it would have been far more adventageous for all if Geely had simply let Lotus do their thing that they are historically famous for on Volvo & Polestar cars instead. A sporty Volvo Lotus EXL 30 & a hyper Polestar Lotus 4 would have been better sellers than these Lotus-branded Zeekr mobiles....

[@willielarsson9651]

In my EV its a simple choice, long journeys im on economy plus, but local driving is in sport mode! However that wltp figure is way off! But really well explained 👏

[@PetrolPed]

Totally agree!

[@granfersteve3815]

I wouldn't really call £90K Mainstream market?

[@jasonshaw1628]

Great impartial video as always Pete. Have a good weekend and take care 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks, you too!

[@ginggur17]

I like it a lot more than the Mach-e. I’m very surprised I have to say. This would be a nice addition. A tyre wrecker, but, it’s a Lotus 👍👍🇬🇧

[@HQBProductions]

Well Peter….maybe the best and most balanced review of an EV so far. There many arguments for and against but EV power is coming fast and will be our only choice at affordable rates….watch petrol and diesel prices rise plus crippling road tax….all sure to happen in the next 2/3 years. I have been talking about a new cars for ages but there are so many uncertainties and EV’s lose money at an alarming rate. For me…I would buy the Eletre in theory but more likely a Macan or something new from JLR EV range…but for the car…scrap the gold bits for Porsche Neodyne, find lighter batteries, reduce the cost and names….Elego…Elechap…..and for this one…it should have bern Elefant!!! Stay safe..Richard😬🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️😃😃😃😃😃

[@alancobbin]

Video was superb Pedro👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks mate 🙏🏻

[@lknight5579]

3:33 Lotus Ebola is still available.

[@ObserverDingue]

"Lotus Ebola - acceleration that will make your eyes bleed as your internal organs liquify and your bowels empty. The last car you will ever drive." 🤣😂

[@PrinceBarin77]

Keen to hear from owners on range. I don’t expect early cars, being driven enthusiastically by reviewers, on the largest wheels, in winter, are going to be yielding great economic returns. If 250 is the lowest range, I think I am OK with that.

[@PetrolPed]

I think that is the mark. More with the smaller wheels 👍

[@Masterfeedbackprod]

​@PetrolPed stupid question Ped, but why does smaller wheels make a difference to range ?

[@OllieC100]

@@Masterfeedbackprod A couple of things. 1 - Additional unsprung weight. 2 - Larger wheels tend to mean wider and sportier tyres, this increases rolling resistance. Both of these contribute to less range. 👍🏼

[@garrymatthews4430]

Have to say I did not think I was going to like it but you have done a great job of selling it. Totally agree that getting into the SUV will hopefully keep the Lotus brand going, what car manufacture hasent

[@myevokebab]

Really, why do you think lotus gave their flagship car to a guy that has 200k subs? The reason is no one is buying them mate. And they're right not to. Crap customer service, poor dealer network, terrible charging infrastructure, expensive to buy, expensive to own and you can't even buy it on HP anymore. If you want one of these cars then be prepared to take a dump on what you spent. They aren't even desirable.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks so much!

[@TheMentalblockrock]

@@myevokebab You;re right, this car is a hideous monster, and not a real Lotus at all....

[@mickfletcher1289]

High quality video. Great camerawork all round. And a thoroughly interesting review. Loving your channel.

[@PetrolPed]

Much appreciated!

[@beatles4sale2007]

It’s 2024, without Geelys input and tech, Lotus would be bust or still churning out a few outdated cars for enthusiasts (and regulations would probably eventually kill them off anyway). I get the rose tinted / Colin Chapman thing, but people have to move on…..as for the car, it’s a pass for me. But good work Ped, keeps the reviews balanced.

[@PetrolPed]

Agreed 👍

[@Jake.Warren]

Way, way out of my price range but yet another excellent and informative review Peter.

[@PetrolPed]

Out of mine too 😂

[@davidlloyd-cx3er]

Hello Pete, I guess some questions i would have: How much to insure ? What is enthusiatic driving given the speed limits in this country ,did you take it on track? What is the big deal how fast to 60 ? Who needs that amount of horsepower in this country what is the point? Appreciate your comments.

[@PetrolPed]

Insurance depends on lots of variables. You can have fun up to the national speed limit. Didn’t track it or that would have been in the video. 0-62 is a standard measure of performance. The most impressive and useful number for this car is actually the mid range acceleration (30-60) 👌

[@davidlloyd-cx3er]

Cheers for the reply Pete. Thats what i like about the older lotus era you can get more out of them at lower speeds so to speak. I think the more accomplished a car is nowadays it is becoming more frustrating with all that power under the right foot which can only be used for fleeting moments or you run the risk of attention from the boys in blue 😢. The older cars at 60 /70 feel more like 70 plus ,as opposed to the newer jobbies they seem to feel like they not even trying. I've heard a rumour these type of electric cars are very expensive to insure . So for me begs the question whats the point. Depreciation will no doubt be truly horrendous also . Other than that all good 😂.

[@peternorbury]

I must say Pete, your videos and filming techniques are top notch! The use of a drone is perfect. It makes watching your reviews like this one, such a pleasure.

[@PetrolPed]

Wow, thanks!

[@graemecollie9233]

Great video Pete, hopefully the viewing numbers will do it justice. One comment I would add, anything below 10 degrees C, EV range is dramatically altered, in what I see anything up to 25% on the efficiency. This winter on cold days 0-10 degrees 2-2.5 mi/kWh will become 2.7-3.2mi/kWh from 10 degrees upwards. Emeya R is the one of interest to me but I can see why Geely went for the Eletre first as SUV sales are king. Just ask a Urus Performante or DBX707 driver what their fuel efficiency is, they don't know / care! And neither I suspect will an Eletre R driver but they'll love the tax and running cost benefits! Haters are going to hate but Lotus will sell them anyway!

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

With regard to the aero ducts on this Eletre, the late, great Colin Chapman said, _"Holes don't weigh anything!"_ And while this stunning beast is as near to a _True_ Hethel, Lotus as Concord was to the Wright Flier, it's a damn nice piece of kit. Though the only resemblance to a true lotus is just the badge. Nothing else about this Eletre is Lotus. That aside. If I was in the market for an SUV, EV, I'd still opt for a Genesis GV70 and save myself a -tidy- huge sum. PS - You forgot -one of- my favourite Lotus car. *The Europa.* ;-))... EDIT - Forgot to say. Good video 8-))...

[@LeeAvison]

I really love the design of this car personally Pete , It does look good 👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@kevinphillips9408]

I agree completely with your summary. I love the Lotus brand and the history with it. I have owned a couple and loved them. However I would have one of these. Thank you for this.

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure 👍

[@veroniquepaquet5092]

Great video. Balance between inboard, outboard and drone footage feels very natural. Bit SUV's are still the selling point of these brands so we'll have to live with them. In our neighborhood I spotted already 4 different colors so it sells!

[@PetrolPed]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@SimonPass230267]

Colin Chapman would laugh at this. He would point to what Caterham are doing with their electric car as the example of 'engineering in lightness'.

[@PetrolPed]

Pretty sure he’d want his business to continue operating and this car is hopefully going to help that happen 🤔

[@AdamJRichardson]

@@PetrolPed Colin Chapman liked to make money :) I think he would be fine with a very profitable car that allowed him to do the other things. The 2nd gen Elite was sort of the 1970s version of that (at least in its intent)

[@OneSock999]

Great review. I think you nailed the range issue this time. I think if the car can manage an average 3.5 -4 miles per Kwh in range mode, then it is a decent proposition.

[@Wacky_Races]

Beautiful car. The Lotus badge still has that cache, even on this car. Like Tesla, I am sure through software improvements the range can be increased. Personally the bling looks a nice touch 😊. Good to see Lotus competing in this area of the market. Good to see a British icon (even if owned by the Chinese) doing well. Did you try the automatic driving?

[@mrgrumpy771]

Back to being big and electric, why can’t they add lightness? Chinese car with a Lotus badge isn’t really a lotus. Needs a redesign for the size. Clever kit though

[@paulfoakes9708]

A total understanding of why Lotus is on this path yet still marks a sadness in motoring history.

[@TheoFennel]

Is it there fault or are all car makers being pushed to EV. If they wait they'll fall behind.

[@eugenux]

I will repeat this as much as I can. Not every car company can do "a Porsche" ; Porsche did it at the right time but, for a company like Lotus... ffs, the ethos is totally different. Its brand and brand image is build on something else. Seeing the succes of the Emira, they should have started investigating the opportunity for developing a Lotus Elan(1st gen) successor, not a pleiad of 3 tons electric SUVs. Not saying EVs don't have a place in a Lotus product range... but, not gazillion hp, 3 tons SUVs; it is the exact opposite of the core brand's values. Sure, there will be some rich don't give a fvecks who will want something different than their rich friends with other 3 tons, gazillion hp, EV SUVs.. but, once that short sighted market ends, Lotus as a company will become something along the lines of Lancia... just some brand to be milked for fast cash. For a brand, for every brand, their core values and characteristics are the most important things a company can have. You can sell out on anything bar the core brand's values. History will tell if this has been a good move or a bad move..., my money is on the latter. edit. /p. s. in a world where the speed restrictions are more severe by the day and the size of the roads are pretty much the same as 50 years ago, going bigger and more more more hp isn't the answer.., nor is a competitive advantage because every dam.n regular manufacturer is doing exactly the same thing. Use your core brand values and be different.. not do a cheap out and produce the exact thing everybody else is doing, killing a brand's image and the brand itself at the same time. No amount of hp and no amount of influencers will save a company that proceeds this way.

[@eugenux]

​@@mykchancythat's narrow; it is not the EU only

[@TheoFennel]

@mykchancy I know this already. But some ppl in the comments have zero clue. If Lotus biggest consumers were in the US or never sold cars in the EU, they wouldn't be going down this road. But even saying that if every car maker was building an EV, why wouldn't you as well. Move with the times or get left behind and go out of business.

[@alexjaybrady]

Surviving from making art in capitalism ..

[@haydwilljones]

I like the shape of the Eletra , i would have to agree with you that the base model is the one to go for, if i find a big stash gold near my house i will buy one ha ha ha, as always great video Ped.

[@PetrolPed]

Fair enough!

[@keithweybury5212]

Wow. Electric is the future and Lotus know it. The Mass of population need to come to grips with it to help save the planet. Well done Pete.

[@oov55]

it's taking it's time. But. The 'future' is Hydrogen - and it will happen.

[@SDK2006b]

@@oov55- ‘the future is hydrogen’ 🤔 Not this again 😬🤯🤣

[@drysdalekev]

Can't ever see them getting the infrastructure together needed for hydrogen, it's just not feasible.

[@kronkite1530]

Save the planet?! Look at the statistics for % of co2 emissions from vehicles. Especially private vehicles.

[@drysdalekev]

@@kronkite1530 think it's about 10%. So are you suggesting we ignore that part of the problem?

[@malloymorgan3293]

Interesting comparison with Porsche as the purists were up in arms when they launched the Cayenne. If this helps to cement the future of Lotus sports cars then I’m all for it. Not sure that you can describe a car that starts at £90k as mass market though!

[@dangreasley7934]

Brilliant review Pedro, very well presented and explained as usual. Can't say it's a car for me for a number of reasons not least of which will be price, ouch, but a fantastic looking and great performance car. All things evolve and it looks like Lotus has embraced the evolution to EV cars. Thanks for making this review so comprehensive..

[@PetrolPed]

Yeah price is a challenge. The car tested was £140k 😮

[@SimonApperley]

I saw one in the showroom in central London last week and it looked really wide - curious as to whether you found that a challenge on the twisty B roads. It looked even wider than the Jag iPace I used to have.

[@solentbum]

Talking to a salesman years ago, his company car was an early LEAF, when he drove it he turned in over 4 miles KWH , when it was loaned out as a demonstrator it came back showing low 3s and once under 2MKWH. I drove your test road a couple of weeks ago, in places it is not very nice. The Lotus certainly seemed to take out the road imperfections .

[@tomashley5869]

You’re right Pete. Sales of SUVs are an indisputable source of income for car makers, whether they’re struggling or not. Let’s hope it works. Cheers, Tom.

[@TassieEV]

I've checked this car out at Fully Charged Live Australia this year back in Feb. Same colour as yours I call it British Racing Green I'm sure they have another name for it. Purely to look at and sit in, amazing car but well out of my price range as it's $300k plus AUD here. Not sure what was going on with your audio at the beginning of the video though had to keep changing the volume until you got into the drive portion.

[@gavinsullivan9015]

I like that explained the range in a more fair way than most reviewers. I just take 20% off any WLTP figure as the starting maximum range these days…

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@dehaviad]

Well done you... Hopefully Lotus listen. I was a potential buyer on launch. It wasn't their 373-mile range lie, but as you say that GOLD BLING, it's too much, far too much! I can't understand how they thought this through? Anyway, hope your video helps them consider your aluminium alternative. 😎

[@PetrolPed]

Fingers crossed!

[@AmandaJayne46]

Hiya, Pete, I must admit I love the love to SUV. It’s a bad time. This started doing something of this nature to get more bums on seats. I’m a massive minivan but I do own a large collection of Lotus cars. I do love My Lotus Cars, I have to be honest, I am pleased with the direction Lotus is not looking. Now following people like Lamborghini Aston Martin, Martin and the other brands. Yeah, nice one Lotus. Sorry I’ve been a bit absent been in hospital, I’m back now with reinforcements. As always Pete an epic video excellent put together very professional. Take great care Pete catch you in the next one be safe 🪷 💋

[@ObiePaddles]

Ike you say, It’s a Porsche Cayenne moment for Lotus. A lot more will buy it than those that complain about it.

[@stoo149]

Did they put this in a wind tunnel and compete to achieve Theo highest Cd possible?

[@PetrolPed]

It’s super slippy 👍

[@Hookeslaw]

Such a nice car, well done Lotus. That green is amazing.

[@PetrolPed]

It really is!

[@andyK1878]

You briefly mentioned that the basic Eletre costs £90k but didn’t mention how much the test car that your drove is? This is not like you 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@PetrolPed]

I had a tough time getting the video down to under 30 mins which I still think is a bit long. Had to leave stuff out 😢 The car tested was about £140k 😬

[@shakesnbake]

Companies have to adapt and Lotus seem to have their eyes firmly on the future - which is exciting, especially with an EV Emira replacement due later. But it's massive! Would be lovely if they brought out a Macan sized version...

[@unexplainedwearenotalone3537]

hey you not first test 0.60 and the car mid roll turn left or right side or spin they need report to fix i saw that same problem USA test and UK now is same problem something wrong with grip when u pull hard thnaks to shared man nice video.

[@philipparkes5682]

Hi Ped One of your best.🤗 I am not the biggest fan of EV’s, but you dealt with the Heritage question and I have to agree. Yes I look back to my Elite Super 95, & 7 big valve twin cam, superb examples of the genius of Colin Chapman. However I agree with what Lotus are doing with their SUV, and hope this does have the Cayenne effect. Love the looks of this car, with you on the minor trim issues, but that is personal. Do not see you need 900 bhp in a road going SUV, so the base model far more sensible. That leaves the final cuckoo in the nest, range and infrastructure, time will tell.🤭

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks mate 👍

[@ZZR1200ZX]

Check out the depreciation on the Porsche Taycan which is a similar price car.

[@Bd-ox4mi]

One things for sure no one is going to collect electric ⚡️ cars they have a shelf life

[@philedwards7174]

Fantastic that Lotus have embarked on this journey. Jaguar are going to develop similar cars and the future will be very interesting. Easy to pick faults and without hands on i dont want to do that. However i dont think this will ever be a massed produced/ purchse. Peter Ball rightly sights the Allegro wheel and i actually see a resemblance to the side profile of an Austin Princess Wedge. ( they were ahead of the time😂)

[@aikidoshi007]

If I won the lottery and didn't already have a Tesla Model 3 I would buy one for sure. Love the green colour too, that's nice.

[@PetrolPed]

Good choice!

[@willielarsson9651]

Great review again , Ped is best on the net. Cheers

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks mate 🙏🏻

[@robertd2363]

Love the steering wheel! In fact I would love a weekend drive but it's just too much money! Better hope the lottery numbers come up 🤞

[@PetrolPed]

Fingers crossed!

[@Luminated67]

I drove the base Eletre for a couple of days and my word is it plenty quick enough and I am use to a performance EV already. Everything about its handling is top drawer and that includes the brakes which IMO are the best of any EV on sale today. Where it didn’t do it for me was its size which is huge, so when they release the smaller SUV that’s promised in a couple of years then I will be all over that one. Oh and I concur, drive sensible and 300 miles is very doable on the base model at least.

[@Grahame59]

Agree re the blingy gold bits. Brushed ally would look mch better. And the pebble really needs a hole so you can add a keyring to be able to hang it. The pebble will easily get lost. Great colour! Otherwise, an amazing car and a great review.

[@Neofolis]

Anyone who argues against this sort of car bearing the Lotus brand is arguing against all of the lightweight sports cars aswell. If the brand can't survive without adding more mainstream vehicles to it's lineup, then without this, you wouldn't have the lightweight sports cars either. Let's not forget that, whilst EV's are not new technology as such, they are new in terms of heavy development and investment and it will take a while to get to the point where a truely lightweight EV with good range is possible, but it will happen at some point. Technology has already reached the point where fairly heavy cars can handle better than much lighter cars from not that many years ago, now we just need the technology to improve further to get to the point where they feel like those lightweight cars.

[@cbotten106]

That is the same problem that Harry's Garage had with this vehicle. The real range is not even close to what "optimal" range rating is. The ambient temperature and lead-footed driving (like your "enthusiastic") definitely kills the range. Damn, I love that green color on the Eletre!

[@markwiltshire3839]

Best review yet, of the Eletre. Thanks Pedro. Why is it so big, though? That's my only criticism. Would love to drive one.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Mark 👍

[@hansjorgmoser1371]

I guess its all about winning new customers over. I VERY much like it.

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

The Eletre is a great looking SUV, if I was going to buy an EV then it would certainly be top of my list, as for the question is it a real Lotus? The answer would be Yes , the caveat being "but in name only"

[@newforestspyder2224]

Glad you enjoyed it Pete and you managed to find some dry weather.

[@PetrolPed]

Only just 😬😂

[@johnbrown3951]

You summed up my thoughts exactly at the end, it's just a different experience in an electric car. I was speaking to a guy in the village who is a bit of a boy racer and when he found out I had swapped my JCW for the i-Pace he was so negative until he sat in the passenger seat and experienced being glued to the back of the seat and started gibbering like a baboon about the performance. I know that his mind has been changed as was mine when I first experienced it. I do sometimes miss the raucous noise of the pro exhaust on my JCW but then I put my foot down and marvel at 400 ps against 232 and the smoothness of air suspension and I know there is a price difference but not so much on a second hand Jag to a new Mini. That Lotus is a different level of refinement maybe at 3 years old it will be a better proposition the way second hand EV prices are at this point in time.

[@eugenux]

the problem is... when you are a driver and car passionate at heart, who gives an f about 0-to-who cares in 2.4 nano seconds?! All of you, who have moved from pretty decent driver's cars to e-crap, saying that "well, look how much faster I am at the lights"?, wtf, are you 12?, a real driver knows it is all about that special portion, on his favourite back road, where he feels his car working under him, feels the changes in the road holding, him being the one in control. Ffs, from that to, "look how fast it aceelerates!", and beside that initial 0 to I don't care.. what is the speed it can sustain.. and for how long?, can you safely do 110-120 on a backroad(hard braking, road holding at speed, hard cornering, etc). Does it go beyond 6 feet at that speed before it needs a recharge? I have zero expectations from ppl who don't care about driving and don't understand driving... but, for ppl who get from enthusiast cars/sports cars/etc into fat EV SUVs.. I am absolutely disgusted by you lot; you are a waste of a valid driver's license on the road.

[@johnbrown3951]

I see from your channel you are a real Petrol Head with all the car content. Not. Have you ever driven a performance electric car ? It is a whole different experience sitting in luxury with an amazing sound system with the smoothness of air suspension and the heritage of a British brand underneath you. I am a JLR fan and that car was my only option when I wanted to have one electric car on my driveway. I also require all wheel drive for the Scottish highlands in winter. Yes there are limitations on range especially with 22" rims but we all like different aspects of the " Motor Car" I am also into the style and design of cars and as a detailer it has to be clean and have gloss levels off the chart with protection from the elements. I am disappointed in the fact that on an excellent channel like Petrol Ped we can't make a comment about our own cars without receiving comments like the one from yourself. You should have put up your views on your own post rather than a reply to a valid post from another "Pedlar". I rest my case for the defense and await the decision from the Jury of my peers. Thank You.@@eugenux

[@eugenux]

​@johnbrown3951 1stly, not everyone must be youtu.ber in this day and age. 2ndly, you could have used less words to confirm you're not a car driving enthusiast.

[@johnbrown3951]

Oh but I am. Better!!!!@@eugenux

[@eugenux]

​​@@johnbrown3951you just think you are. 😉 your own actions and decisions say the exact opposite and the fact that you don't want to recognise it or, even worse, you don't realize it says important things about you, as a person. Go in peace with your EV SUV "sports car"!

[@reinmansmith]

Like your drone shots Pete, nice addition to the film quality and I have to say the Lotus, in that gorgeous green, is a worthy subject… Putting aside my feelings about EVs it’s actually a good looking SUV, a clever piece of design with very clever aero etc and I can understand your point about Lotus needing to increase their vehicle range from a business perspective. However, while I’d snap up an Emira V6 in an instant (if I could) I don’t think I’d spend this weeks lottery winnings on one of these 🤔

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks. That’s my mate Mark. He’s as good as they get 👍

[@gavinsullivan9015]

New Macan is apparently 2400kg so I think that’s the world we’re in now…

[@1BLUEMEANIE]

Fab drone footage great review Pete👍

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Mate. That’s all thanks to my mate Mark…Drone God 😂

[@brutusoftroy2810]

They really need to give miles per kw/HR figures for driving styles a bit like with liquid energy cars you city-highway-combined mpg figures. Spirited - gentle - combined mpkwhr . The thrust is a lot of fun! I don't know about you but when a car is as fast as the quick electric cars, they're, dare I say, so fast that it stops becoming enjoyable as the scenery is going past the window so fast you can't take in as much as you would in a 200-400hp car.

[@leemace9638]

I’m not a massive fan of SUVs especially EVs but I still think the Kia 6 is the best looking still out there 🤔 I think the lotus looks similar in some angles to the Kia but great review again 👍🇦🇺

[@PetrolPed]

Fair enough!

[@kronkite1530]

I’m Head of the Ghoul Design Naming Department. The forthcoming names were embargoed (that’s one of them, funnily) but as you are a fan we can allow you the reveal… The Excessive, the Excrescence, the Ego and, of course, the Eater. BTW, you lost me at “mass market”!

[@henryhol8538]

I like the Electra. There is some history - Lets not forget the Lotus Elite of the 70s. A proper 4 seater. This car has the advantage of not having a self dissintegrating interior. Regarding running out of names? They should simply recycle; for instance, if they want to release an Emeya 2 door coupe they can call it the Elite!

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. I particularly like 👍 the Green Paint Colour 😊

[@PetrolPed]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@itsjoel]

The central column with the cupholders looks very similar to that on the Taycan!

[@djtex1899]

I agree the standard version is the one to go for, and that’s precisely what I’m going to do. I do think you missed a point re its range and energy consumption. The car you have is a demonstrator and you can be sure people are booting it all the time. I still think the R as you said is vanity, but range will be better in ‘normal’ driving, albeit not at WLTP levels. That’s the same for all cars whether ICE or EV. For me this is exactly what Lotus should be doing to secure their future. I can’t wait for mine to arrive.

[@PetrolPed]

Enjoy 👍

[@PixelVibe42]

Sadly the majority of discussions about EV's centre on range (or the lack of it). But the real-world experience is that with an EV you tend not to just get in and drive it as you wish - you always have to balance maths and electrons. Which defeats the point of a Lotus. Best to buy something like a Model 3 or Y and access the Supercharger network and focus on economy.

[@Bob-_-Smith]

Can you imagine the cost of repairing a minor bump Your insurance company will hate you.

[@petecroxford3277]

I do appreciate the time and the videos you put out. I knew explained the range what I’d like you to do is put the heater on the radio and navigation, and see what the range is then I think it will be even more disappointing. My personal opinion is EV are not good For long journeys as I said, thanks for your time👍👍

[@johnbrown3951]

Range is only an issue if you are in a hurry but if like us on holiday stopping to charge to 80% every so often meant we were able to stop in places that normally we flew past on the way to our destination, A lot of new experiences were had and we were so much more refreshed by the time we arrived at our destination and slept so much better after all the walking. We have had to adapt our use of the car to a commuter vehicle and longer journeys within the range of the vehicle to allow us to charge at home.

[@chillout1109]

27:18 A mass market car he says 😂😂 With a starting price of £90,000, I'm not sure it fits that definition

[@keith_stewart66]

Great video Pete loving the drone shots 👏🏻

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍 That’s my mate Mark. He’s very good 👌

[@jeffmcarthur1963]

Totally get why Lotus has introduced an SUV to its range, okay Ferrari/Lamborghini/ Aston Martin still use ICE as their power train but the next generation Porsche Macan will be solely electric, so perhaps Lotus is ahead of the game !

[@bshah4831]

Lotus Carlton! Now that was wonderful. Innovation is what Lotus is about.

[@PetrolPed]

Indeed!

[@neilturner6749]

Not disagreeing that the Lotus Carlton/Omega wasn’t a great car, but there was nothing innovative about sticking a large/powerful engine in a family saloon/sedan, plus it was GM who “invented” that car, not Lotus. GM just needed an outside contractor to provide the specialist input and give it some marketing credibility. Holden had always sold the GM Omega/Carlton with a big V8 but that wouldn’t have appealed to European buyers back in the day so GM Europe had to wait for a suitably punchy yet efficient power unit to be developed.

[@pixie706]

You judged the car well for itself but Im not convinced that you would buy one. ? Lovely looking car and colour and a good try from Lotus.

[@oesterga]

Impressive drone shot !!!!

[@PetrolPed]

My mate is a very good drone pilot 👌

[@andrewwilliams3549]

well said about range and why ... reviewers never say EV's just like a petrol car if you drive fast and have fun, you use much more petrol or electricity or you can drive at 56 or hypermile. Yes stop worrying about the range drive the car and enjoy it you have more than enough for fun in a day.

[@PetrolPed]

Indeed 👍

[@markdawson4625]

Why!! If you want a ‘driver’s car’ why choose any 2.6 tonne SUV from ANY manufacturer. Yes, Lotus may have produced the best of its type, but they are too big, too high, too heavy and too expensive. Surely an SUV is a family car, and if you want a family car that is fun and much cheaper, well, what is wrong with estates?

[@mossman2003]

More great content Ped! If Porsche (the first sports car to SUV diversifier), Lambo,Aston and Ferrari can go down this route to expand, or even just survive, why not Lotus? It is a lovely looking vehicle. The down sides?: It is battery electric and so heavy. Maybe an ICE variant first would have been a gentler introduction. Also, I worry about my daughter in her little Fiesta against these monsters in an accident. Bring on synthetic fuels to keep the ICE alive, Hydrogen power to improve the journey anxiety and refuel times and advances in battery and materials (nanotubes etc.) to reduce weight and improve efficiency.

[@IanMacKinnon-nz3oi]

Great review and good explanation about EV range etc. I know it has 900bhp but it does seem very overpriced. Keep up the great drone footage too!

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks, will do!

[@helipeek2736]

Perhaps they could call the next model “Elephant”?

[@PetrolPed]

😂😂😂

[@martinedwards7360]

I've actually seen a few of these lotus elctra on the road. I'm still unsure what I think about the design 🤔. Not sure if they will hold value long term?

[@recumbentrocks2929]

I guess it comes down to what type of car is going to sell, a small two seater sports car or a family sized SUV?