Lotus to launch first PHEV in China in Q1 2026 – 900V platform, over 1,000 km range, 952 PS, air suspension

Lotus Technology has announced its new product roadmap that will see the launch of its first plug-in hybrid next year. This was revealed by CEO Feng Qingfeng during the company’s third quarter 2025 earnings conference call earlier this week.

Lotus’ first PHEV model will go on sale in China in the first quarter of 2026, with a preview set to take place sometime in January the same year. Expected to be a version of the Eletre SUV, it will be built on the company’s Hyper Hybrid platform and is said to deliver over 1,000 km of combined hybrid driving range.

Said platform features a 900-volt electrical architecture for ultra-fast charging and will come equipped with dual-chamber air suspension as well as a 48-volt active roll stabilisation to deliver “ultimate handling.” No shortage of power too, with the PHEV model claimed to provide 952 PS (939 hp or 700 kW), which is more than the current-day Eletre 900 with 918 PS (905 hp or 657 kW).

Lotus to launch first PHEV in China in Q1 2026 – 900V platform, over 1,000 km range, 952 PS, air suspension

A second PHEV model, currently dubbed Vision X, will also be introduced, although this will happen after the first – possibly from 2027 – with the timeline yet to be decided. The company says it is introducing PHEVs to provide buyers with more options, including in regions with slower EV adoption.

At present, Lotus has three electric vehicles (EVs), namely the Evija, Eletre, Emeya, along with one internal combustion engine (ICE) model, the Emira, in its line-up. Referring to the roadmap, the Emira, which got an updated this year, will receive a facelift in 2027 and looks set to remain on sale on through 2030. Meanwhile, global distribution of the sold-out Evija is ongoing and is expected to be completed by 2028. The mainline Eletre and Emeya were also updated this year.

Lotus Technology is based in Wuhan, China and is not to be confused with Lotus Advance Technologies, which is headquartered in Hethel, England. The former produces the Eletre and Emeya, while the latter is responsible for the Evija and Emira. In July 2025, it was announced that Lotus Technology will acquire 100% of the equity interest of Lotus Advance Technologies, with all business operations integrated under the Lotus brand – this is expected to be completed in 2026.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.