Lotus has unveiled the keys to the architecture that will underpin its new family of electric vehicles. The new LEVA platform is intended for models of various kinds that will be able to equip batteries of up to 99.6 kWh and a maximum power of 650 kW (884 hp). The first of Lotus’ new electric cars with the LEVA architecture will arrive in 2026.
Just a few weeks ago Lotus officially announced that it will carry out a major product offensive. The iconic British manufacturer has launched all the machinery with the aim of giving life to a family of electric vehicles. The first details of the new Lotus electric cars have already been confirmed. However, it is now that the company has presented in society the architecture that will sustain the sports cars that will be available in this new range of models.
The new LEVA platform (Lightweight Electric Vehicle Architecture) is already official and will be the basis used by Lotus for the new electric sports cars that it will launch on the market. An architecture that has been developed through the so-called LEVA Project that was announced about a year ago.
The new electric sports cars from Lotus will use the LEVA platform
One of the keys that Lotus emphasizes about the LEVA platform is its versatile nature. It is fully customizable to provide a platform for a range of electric vehicles with varying designs, different wheelbases, as well as different battery sizes and configurations.
The three designs confirmed by the brand can accommodate two different types of battery setups. We detail them in the following table:
Lotus CAM platform configurations
Batteries up to 99.6 kWh and up to two motors with a power of 650 kW
When it comes to battery settings, there are two types, with 8 or 12 modules as well as in a «Chest» or «Slab» type arrangement:
- Provision “Chest”. The battery modules are stacked vertically behind the two vehicle seats. Such a design is ideal for sports models where a ride height is required as well as a low center of gravity. The company refers to the Lotus Evija.
- Layout «Slab». In this type of battery the modules are integrated horizontally under the floor of the passenger compartment. It is best suited for vehicles that require a higher ride height. It will be used in models with four seats.
The first Lotus model to use the LEVA platform will hit the market in 2026. Sports cars that are called upon to play the role of spiritual successor to the iconic Elise, Exige and Evora.