2026 Lotus Evija
Lotus has long been known for producing featherweight sports cars that prioritize driver engagement over outright speed. That makes the Evija an extraordinary departure for the British automaker.
With four electric motors generating a staggering 2,012 horsepower and 1,257 pound-feet of torque, the Evija is over ten times more powerful than a Lotus Elise and exponentially more advanced technologically.
Despite this, the car maintains Lotus’ driver-first philosophy. Hydraulically assisted brakes and steering provide an analog, connected feel that is rare in high-powered EVs. At a manufacturer-estimated curb weight of 4,200 pounds, it is also one of the lightest production EV hypercars, making it exceptionally fast, agile, and engaging while staying true to the Lotus ethos.
Unfortunately for U.S. enthusiasts, the Evija is not street-legal in America. To experience the car firsthand, drivers must take it to a racetrack; otherwise, ownership is limited to Europe, where it is approved for road use.
Given the $2.4 million price tag, that limitation is likely of little concern to potential buyers. Among its peers, the Rimac Nevera is one of the only EV hypercars capable of matching the Evija’s combination of power, speed, rarity, and cost.
After years of production delays, the Evija only recently began production, and no significant changes are expected for the 2026 model year. Lotus offers the car in a single trim, with standard features including climate control and a premium infotainment system.
Buyers can also choose from a wide range of exterior paint finishes and interior trims to personalize their hypercar. Production is extremely limited, with just 130 units available, and combined with U.S. road restrictions, availability is extremely constrained.
The Evija’s powertrain is comprised of four electric motors that collectively produce 2,012 horsepower and 1,257 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission, while the car’s relatively low curb weight optimizes handling.
Drivers can choose from five performance modes: Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track, allowing the hypercar’s behavior to be tailored for different driving conditions.
During testing, the Evija impressed with both its immense power and nimble handling. Its carbon-ceramic brakes provide exceptional stopping power with remarkable modulation, and its hydraulic power steering offers tactile feedback that few high-performance EVs can match.
Lotus claims the Evija can reach 60 mph in under two seconds, placing it in the same performance league as the Rimac Nevera. Charging is fast, with a 350-kW charger taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The company estimates a 195-mile WLTP range, though real-world driving on track conditions can deplete the battery in as little as 15 minutes under full-throttle performance.
Inside, the Evija accommodates two passengers. Access is via dihedral doors operated with a key fob, while an overhead switch allows them to close from inside. Seats feature carbon-fiber shells and thick microfiber padding for comfort and support.
The steering column is manually adjustable, and two custom storage compartments are placed near the occupants. Technology offerings include Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard modem that allows remote monitoring of the car via a smartphone app, including battery charge and driving range.
The Lotus Evija is a radical EV hypercar that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to driving purity. Lightweight, immensely powerful, and strikingly advanced, it blends Lotus’ traditional driver-focused dynamics with the latest in electric vehicle technology.
Limited production, a prohibitive price, and U.S. road restrictions ensure that the Evija remains a rare and extraordinary vehicle, available to only a select few global enthusiasts.
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