23 February 2010 - Lotus Engineering designed series plug in hybrid at Geneva

Lotus Engineering’s latest series hybrid system will be unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow next month. The system will be displayed in the PROTON Concept which will be on the Italdesign stand.

Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission. They claim the system delivers ‘low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use’. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to recharge the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors. This makes the system a series hybrid which is often referred to as a range extended electric vehicle as the vehicle is powered by electricity at all times with the engine being used as a generator to provide electric power when the battery is depleted. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation. We expect further details of range and performance to be released at Geneva.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus Engineering’s expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car. It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients.”