Lotus has officially taken a strategic detour from its previously all-electric roadmap. The company has introduced the Lotus Eletre For-Me, a powerful plug-in hybrid SUV delivering a staggering 952 horsepower — and signaling that the automaker now sees PHEVs as a crucial stepping stone in the transition toward full electrification.

This new model is not an entirely new vehicle, but a significant evolution of the fully electric Eletre. Approved images released by China’s MIIT confirm that the hybrid variant maintains Eletre’s sleek design language while hiding a radically different powertrain beneath the familiar bodywork.

A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain With Supercar Numbers

Under the hood, the Eletre For-Me combines:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (279 hp on its own)

• High-output electric drive system (specs undisclosed)

• Combined output: 952 hp — more than the all-electric Eletre R (905 hp)

This makes the For-Me one of the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUVs ever produced and a direct challenger to high-performance EVs.

Despite the hybrid layout, Lotus has kept the exterior almost untouched. The only visible difference is a small “For-Me” badge on the tailgate — an understated marker for a massive technological shift.

Same Dimensions, New Mission

The plug-in Eletre keeps the exact proportions of the electric model:

• Length: 5.1 m

• Width: 2.02 m

• Height: 1.64 m

• Wheelbase: 3.02 m

The hybrid system adds some weight, with curb mass ranging from 2,575 to 2,625 kg.

Despite this, Lotus says the PHEV’s center of gravity and chassis tuning maintain the brand’s expected dynamic feel.

Electric Range Up to 355 km — With Shockingly Low Fuel Use

The For-Me’s hybrid system is designed for efficiency, not just performance.

Electric-only range (CLTC):

345–355 km

Fuel economy:

• 0.07 L/100 km in hybrid operating mode (WLTC)

• 6.1 L/100 km once the battery is depleted

Even in gasoline-only mode, the consumption is surprisingly low for a 952-hp performance SUV.

The For-Me retains Lotus’ advanced 900V electrical architecture, enabling:

• 10% to 80% fast charge in ~10 minutes

• Compatibility with ultra-high-power charging networks

A New Direction for Lotus Worldwide

The Eletre For-Me will debut in China first, with Lotus already confirming European availability afterward. The company also announced:

• A plug-in hybrid version of the Emeya will follow

• A smaller Lotus hybrid SUV will launch in 2027

• Full EV exclusivity is no longer the brand’s short-term goal

This hybrid Eletre signals a global strategic pivot, acknowledging that customers may need transitional solutions before fully committing to electric-only vehicles.

Why It Matters

The Lotus Eletre For-Me is more than just another model — it represents:

• A realistic approach to electrification

• A validation of the plug-in hybrid path

• A competitive challenge to both EVs and performance SUVs

• A high-tech redefinition of the Lotus brand

With 952 horsepower, supercar-level acceleration, ultra-low fuel consumption, and a long electric-only range, the Eletre For-Me delivers performance without compromising practicality.

And most importantly:
It shows that Lotus is preparing for a mixed electric future, not an all-electric one.