Lotus Engineering Works with Rolls-Royce on Electric Phantom, Introduces Drop-In Range Extenders

Lotus Engineering Works with Rolls-Royce on Electric Phantom, Introduces Drop-In Range Extenders

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We’re used to Lotus products using powertrains from other manufacturers (Toyota, specifically), so you might be surprised to know that Lotus Engineering is working on some green solutions for other OEMs. This week’s Geneva show brought a production-ready version of the company’s range-extending motor/generator setup and the announcement that Lotus developed the powertrain for Rolls-Royce’s Phantom EV.

Lotus Range Extender

Announced in late 2009, the three-cylinder range extender has now sprouted a supercharged variant and is ready for sale to automakers as a drop-in solution for EV battery charging. Lotus is able to use a simple two-valve-per-cylinder design since the motor is designed for use in an optimized speed range. This, along with the integrated intake and exhaust manifolds, helps keep weight down. Power from the 1.3-liter engine is rated at 47 hp at 3500 rpm for the naturally aspirated model and 67 hp for the supercharged version. Both drive a generator supplied by Fagor Automation, providing power for the batteries of the OEM’s choosing. In Geneva, Lotus showed the system installed in its Evora 414Evolution hybrid concept.

Rolls-Royce 102EX Electric Powertrain

After seeing the Rolls 102EX concept (a.k.a. Phantom Experimental Electric) in Geneva, we learned that its battery-electric powertrain was developed by Lotus Engineering. The system uses two electric motors providing a total of 389 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Electric power comes from a 71-kWh battery pack that weighs 1411 pounds—Lotus proudly calls it the largest such pack used in an EV. The system has a three-mode charging system, as well as two levels of regenerative braking aggressiveness that the driver can select. While we find it a bit humorous that a lightweight company such as Lotus would help make Rolls-Royces even heavier, building complete cars has always been but a part of the company’s business. As electrification becomes a bigger part of the auto industry, it’s not surprising to find Lotus diving in.

Related posts:

1. 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom – Car News
2. 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe – First Drive Review
3. 2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe – Video

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