Where the $2.2 Million Lotus EVIJA Will Be Produced

The new Lotus manufacturing facility in Hethel, UK is now ready for the testing and full-scale production of the fully-electric Lotus Evija.

• The newest car production facility in the world according to Lotus
• Interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 LED’s
• All 130 examples of the $2.2 Million EV hypercar will be produced here

When the new fully-electric two seat Lotus Evija was announced in July last year, work was already underway to complete the new production facility where the EV hypercar would see its final testing and full scale production take place.

Lotus have now revealed the assembly hall is ready and some of the first examples to roll off the production line will be rolled out next door to undergo further testing on Lotus’ notable 2.2-mile circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others.

The new workspace will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija with full-scale production expected to commence soon in the second half of 2020.

Phil Popham, the Lotus Cars CEO spoke to his 1400 employees and stated “With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition.”

Commenting on the new milestone for Lotus, Phil went on further to say “This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters.”

30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs will shower the build hall that contains gantries on three sides, an overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp. Lotus have also included a state-of-the-art light tunnel where rigorous final inspections take place before each Lotus Evija is driven out directly on to the test track for dynamic validation.

The last six months has reportedly seen the project involve the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors and more than 50 experts.

Lotus Evija Specs

*Note these are target specifications

• Name: Lotus Evija (Type 130)
• Powertrain: Pure electric, 4WD
• Power: The target is to be the most powerful production car in the world, at 2,000 PS
• Battery power:  70 kw/h / 2,000 kW
• Torque: 1,700 Nm with torque vectoring
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Under three seconds
• 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph): Under nine seconds
• Max speed: In excess of 200 mph (320 km/h)
• All-electric range (WLTP Combined): 250 miles (400 km)
• Charging time (350kW charger): 18 mins
• Weight: 1,680 kg
• Production run: Maximum of 130 cars
• Overall dimensions (L/W/H): 4,459 / 2,000 / 1,122 mm
• Price: From £1.7m + duties and taxes Reservation process – £250k deposit secures a production slot