Lotus launches charging station that adds 142 km of range in 5 minutes
Tesla is often cited as an example when it comes to talking about charging infrastructure. Other players, much more marginal, are however interested in this universe, with the aim of promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. This is particularly the case of Lotus which has just unveiled a charging infrastructure that allows the Lotus Eletre R SUV to regain 142 kilometers of range in just 5 minutes of charging.
The maximum power provided by this fast charging station can reach 450 kilowatts, which exceeds the majority of fast charging stations currently offered on the market to date. To do this, the charging station is equipped with a liquid cooling system which counters the heat released by the system. It would allow a Lotus Eletre R to be recharged from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes, taking into account that this vehicle can accept a maximum power of 350 kilowatts.
Obviously, the power offered by this charging station exceeds the capacity of the vast majority of vehicles currently available on the market. However, the manufacturer says that it aims to be ready for the future, when other models will arrive with more advanced technologies than currently.
A multiple socket solution
This announcement from Lotus also includes a power concentrator cabinet that can control 480 kilowatts of power, which can be divided at multiple charging stations. We can connect, among other things, another solution offered by Lotus, namely a power sharing charging station which allows up to 4 vehicles to be recharged simultaneously thanks to its very high amperage of 600 amps.
The terminal will ensure that it meets the needs of all types of vehicles that could connect to it, in much the same way as the KemPower terminals of the Electric Circuit, installed in Rivière-du-Loup.
Given the high power rating handled by these components, they are all liquid cooled. Lotus’ goal is to offer reliable and efficient charging solutions that aim to reduce vehicle charging times.
According to Lotus, the charging power of 450 kilowatts is not trivial since it constitutes the next stage of development for rapid charging of personal vehicles. Currently, the Lotus Eletre R accepts 350 kilowatts of power, making it one of the most efficient vehicles in this regard.
These new Lotus charging solutions are currently deployed in China, and will be implemented elsewhere, notably in Europe, from the second quarter of 2024. Their installation in North America is not yet confirmed.
Remember that Lotus plans to become fully electric from 2028. In addition to the Eletre SUV, the Emeya supercar is also electric. Other models may be coming soon. Lotus is a British company founded in 1948 by Colin Chapman. Since 2017, Lotus has been 51% owned by Geely, a Chinese multinational that also owns Volvo and Polestar.
