New factory to produce the electric Lotus Evija has now opened.
The electric hypercar from Lotus is one step closer to production, now that the automaker has opened its new factory and is setting up to deliver the last prototypes of the EV two-seater.
The Evija, which Lotus says means “the first in existence” is a massive undertaking for the little automaker from Hethel, best known for making cars that are ever lighter and ever sharper than the models they replace. The 1,972 hp car will be the brand’s first electrified model and should arrive as the first all-electric British hypercar. British electrical jokes aside.
A new production hall, needed for the series production of the Evija, is currently being made ready for the production of the final prototypes. It was unveiled to more than 1,400 Lotus employees during a meeting this week.
“This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters,” said CEO Phil Popham.
Construction of the new plant started last summer. It’s fitted with low-energy LED lighting and has a new light tunnel for final inspection of the cars before they hit the Lotus test track that’s been the testing home for drivers like Jim Clark, Emmerson Fittipaldi, and Ayrton Senna. The facility will be home to the car that’s set to hit 100 km/h in under three seconds, hit a top speed of more than 320 km/h, and deliver a 400 km range. Lotus says it will be able to fully charge the battery in under 10 minutes.
With just 130 examples expected to be built in its new building, this is as much a statement of intent for Lotus as it is a car. Showing that Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering are both ready to build some massively impressive new hardware. For Lotus Engineering, that means that they’re willing to build it or help design it, for other automakers.
Full production is set to begin this summer on the Evija, and Lotus says that the first year’s production is already sold.
Keyword: Lotus Evija Hypercar Getting Ready for Launch