2023 Lotus Type 133 electric sedan, Release Date, Price, Specs And Auto Facts

The company’s fortunes have shifted since Geely acquired Lotus. The all-electric Lotus Eletre marks a new era for the British brand, as it is the first SUV ever produced by it. The Lotus Type 133, an electric E-segment sedan, will be released soon by the Hethel-based automaker to compete with the Porsche Taycan.

Lotus Type 133 Design

According to Peter Horbury, Lotus’s senior vice president of design, the look will be consistent with future Lotus models. He highlighted, though, that the design would stand on its own merits, even if it did share some DNA with the family. Type 133 is more than just an Eletre sedan. It would stand out thanks to its novel appearance and engaging functionality.

Expect the Lotus Type 133 to inherit Eletre’s design language coupled with abundant coupe-specific add-ons such as a sweeping roofline, integrated rear spoiler, and a low-slung stance. Similar to how Eletre’s design came to fruition, Lotus is anticipated to carry out the design development at Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC), the rebranded Geely design lab in Warwickshire, UK.

Specifications

The Eletre’s foundational Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) would serve as the basis for the Lotus Type 133 car. Brand director of characteristics and product integrity Gavan Kershaw stated that the EPA was based on the Eletre as a baseline and would serve as a foundation for future models. According to CAR, the EPA platform is also 37% lighter than that of the gas-powered Emira (via Instagram). Electric vehicles have a significant weight penalty due to the battery, thus any way to reduce that weight is appreciated.

Battery life & Motor

Lotus is owned by Geely, yet it isn’t participating in any of Geely’s marketing initiatives. Matt Windle, CEO of Lotus, recently told CAR magazine that the company’s platform design demonstrates “purpose.” The story goes on to suggest that the electric sedan’s engine may produce up to 872 horsepower from its dual electric motors. We anticipate it will have a 120 kWh battery, which is powerful enough to outperform the Porsche Taycan in terms of range. Britishvolt, a startup dedicated to producing batteries, and Lotus have formed a partnership to advance the sedan’s battery technology.

The Eletre can go up to 62 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds, despite its high centre of gravity and large weight. Expect the Lotus Type 133 to be quicker than the Taycan. It’s expected that the sedan will be available with 800-volt architecture for super-quick charging. The all-wheel-drive system is standard, meaning it will have lightning-fast acceleration and rock-solid grip. Windle told Autocar that the base level of power for the sedans would be 592 horsepower. With CAR claiming an 800+ hp powerplant, Lotus is expected to offer several models with varying power levels.

The Porsche Taycan, widely regarded as the best-handling electric sports car, is said to face off against the Lotus Type 133.

Release Date & Production

The next Lotus vehicle is “nearly ready” according to Lotus Tech Creative Centre Head Ben Payne, who announced the March 29, 2022 world premiere of the Lotus Eletre. He also said that the premiere would happen “in roughly 12 months,” which would be the summer of 2023.

Before they can even think of releasing the Type 133, Lotus has a lot of work to do. The Evija hypercar is currently in production, and customers may expect to receive their vehicles later this year. In 2023, Lotus would be very busy releasing the Eletre in the United States and other areas around the world.

Lotus produces vehicles in multiple market niches, including sports cars, SUVs, sedans, and hypercars like the Evija electric hypercar shown here, which is capable of over 200 mph and 2,000 horsepower. Lotus flower as an illustration
It is believed that the Lotus Type 133 is produced in the same plant as the Eletre in the Hannan neighbourhood of Wuhan city, China. Thanks to manufacturing in China and Geely’s access to local resources, Lotus would be able to provide it at a price that is competitive in the market.

Lotus Type 133 FAQs