Lotus City Car Combines Plug-in Hybrid Power in a Diminutive Package « New and Used Car Listings

Lotus City Car Combines Plug-in Hybrid Power in a Diminutive Package

Several European automakers plan to, or already, offer city cars that are ideally suited for congested European cities. These include BMW’s i3, Daimler’s smart fortwo, and even Aston-Martin’s Cygnet. Lotus Engineering is also in the game with its Lotus City Car concept, with a production version planned by the end of 2013.

Unlike most small cars meant for urban duty, the Lotus City Car is a plug-in extended range electric vehicle (EREV) that eliminates the range anxiety that can come with all-electric city cars. Lotus says the City Car will have an electric-only range of 37 miles before the internal combustion engine starts, increasing range up to 310 miles.

The Lotus Range Extender engine is a 1.2 liter, 3-cylinder powerplant designed for use in hybrid vehicles. The engine drives a 54 kilowatt (162 kilowatt peak) generator. The internal combustion engine can run on gasoline, ethanol, or methanol. Electrical energy is stored in a 14.8 kilowatt-hour battery. According to Lotus, the EREV concept allows a smaller, lighter, and less expensive battery pack than a pure EV. The electric motor drives the rear wheels via a single speed transmission.

The series hybrid propulsion system offers the performance expected in a Lotus designed car, or at least a very ‘green’ one. The 3080 pound City Car can accelerate from 0 to 31 mph (50 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9 seconds. Top speed is 105 mph (170 km/h), though it is limited to 62 mph (120 km/hr) in a charge sustaining mode.

While the three-door City Car is very compact externally, it can carry four. Styled by Lotus Design, it has a sports car character with its wide track, low ride height, and big wheels. Up front there is a distinctive Lotus grille and diffuser. A glass roof increases visibility. Inside there is a combination of leather, carbon fiber, and luxurious green and yellow tartan fabric.