On April 19th, Lotus unveiled the world’s first mass-produced “flash charging robot” developed independently at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
Lotus showcased its pure electric supercar SUV Eletre and its accompanying robotic charging system at the Shanghai Auto Show. The charging system reportedly offers up to 500 kW of power, making it one of the most powerful fast-charging devices on the market. Additionally, the charging system features automation and intelligence, allowing the charging head to be inserted into the car’s charging port through a robotic arm without human intervention. It is said that the charging system can also move along the ground rails to adapt to different car charging port locations and parking situations.
It is understood that Eletre is Lotus’ first electric SUV and an important product for its entry into the Chinese market. Eletre has a maximum charging power of up to 420 kW, which is much higher than most electric vehicles currently on the market. Lotus Eletre is equipped with a high-power and high-torque electric motor with the codename EDS2 arranged at the front and rear of the vehicle, which can provide a maximum power of over 600 horsepower.
The vehicle matches a two-speed gearbox on the rear motor and adopts an electric control four-wheel drive system. Lotus has announced that the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 2.95 seconds, and the 0-200 km/h (0-124 miles/h) acceleration time is less than 12 seconds.
The vehicle’s battery capacity is over 100 kWh, and under the 350 kW charging condition, it only takes 20 minutes to replenish energy to travel 400 km (248 miles). According to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) standard, Eletre’s maximum range can reach 600 km (373 miles). Eletre is also compatible with 22 kW AC power charging. According to the Lotus official website, Eletre will be launched in China in 2023.
Lotus said that it will first launch 50 fast charging robot systems in China for use by all electric vehicles, but it has not yet revealed whether the system will be available in other regions.
