Lotus Theory 1 is an electric concept that signals the Chinese-British automaker’s future direction. It shows Lotus new focus on EV’s software side and autonomous driving capabilities, as Theory 1 is equipped with Lotuswear system which includes four deployable Lidars, Nvidia Drive platform, and L4 autonomous driving hardware capability.
The Lotus Theory 1 is a three-seater built around a carbon fiber chassis with composite and polycarbonate body panels. The concept measures 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) in length, 1,140 mm in height and 2,000 mm in width, with 2,650 mm wheelbase.
It weighs 1,600 kg (3,500 lbs), Lotus claims.
The concept car is powered by a 70 kWh battery and dual electric motors delivering 987 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under 2.5 seconds, with a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph) and a 402 km (250 miles) range, under WLTP conditions.
Ben Payne, Vice President of Design, Lotus Group commented on the new EV, “With Theory 1, we’ve built on everything Lotus has achieved so far in its 76-year history, to push the boundaries for what it means to drive a performance vehicle.”
Assisted driving features are built around the Nvidia Drive compute platform, which Lotus claims is the underlying stack for its Lotuswear technology. Theory 1 has L4 hardware capability, four deplyable Lidars, six HD cameras, and a combination of long- and short-range millimeter radars, plus ultrasonic radars. Together, Lotus calls it a 360-degree autonomous driving sensor suite.
The Chinese Geely Group owns Lotus, and its EVs are mass-produced in China. It sells two EVs in China – the Lotus Eletre SUV and Lotus Emeya sedan, both sitting on the EPA platform, which is an adjusted SEA platform from Geely.
