Search: Lotus

Geely-owned Lotus has exported 18 Eletre SUVs from its Wuhan plant to Montreal, becoming the first Chinese manufacturer to use Canada's new tariff-quota framework agreed earlier this year. The deal replaces a 100% tariff with a 6.1% rate on the first 49,000 China-built EVs annually, rising to 70,000 by year five, and has cut the Eletre's Canadian price to 119,900 Canadian dollars, nearly half its previous level. More than 2,900 Chinese-produced EVs, mostly Shanghai-built Teslas, arrived in Canada during May, the first month under the new rules.

Why it matters: The lower tariff opens a significant new market for Chinese EV makers and their supply chains, with BYD and Chery also exploring entry. For charging operators, a potential surge in affordable Chinese EVs could accelerate demand for public infrastructure in Canadian cities and along major routes.

Canada has concluded its first canola-for-cars trade agreement, acquiring fresh Lotus electric vehicles in exchange for agricultural exports. The deal marks a novel barter arrangement linking Canadian canola shipments to EV procurement, though specific vehicle numbers and financial values were not disclosed in the announcement.

Why it matters: This procurement signals an emerging trend of commodity-backed EV purchasing that could influence future fleet acquisition strategies and open alternative financing routes for public and commercial operators seeking to electrify without traditional capital outlays.

LOTUS Bank has announced support for the Nigerian Federal Government's compressed natural gas and electric vehicle mobility initiative. The Guardian Nigeria reported the bank's backing, though specific financial commitments or programme details were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The move aligns with broader efforts to promote alternative fuel vehicles in Nigeria.

Why it matters: Financial sector engagement signals growing institutional confidence in Nigeria's EV and alternative fuel infrastructure plans, potentially unlocking capital for charging networks and fleet conversions. Bank involvement may ease financing barriers for operators seeking to deploy charging equipment or transition commercial fleets.

Geely-owned Lotus has scrapped its plan to become fully electric by 2028, announcing a multi-powertrain strategy targeting 60% plug-in hybrid and 40% battery electric vehicle sales in the short term. The British carmaker's Focus 2030 plan still aims for full electrification after the start of the next decade, with the £84,990 Eletre X PHEV SUV launching in Europe in June 2025 and deliveries in Q4. The Eletre, originally planned as EV only, now offers the X-Hybrid PHEV powertrain already sold in China.

Why it matters: The retreat from a near-term EV-only commitment by a premium brand signals continued uncertainty in electric vehicle demand and may influence charging infrastructure investment timelines. Procurement teams planning depot or destination charging for fleets should note the extended hybrid transition period, which could delay the scale of pure BEV charging requirements from luxury marques.

A survey of the fastest charging electric vehicles shows 350kW has become standard for premium manufacturers including Audi, Porsche, Polestar and Lotus. The Mercedes EQS uses 800 volt technology and a 122kWh battery to deliver 200 miles of range in 10 minutes on a 350kW charger, while the Porsche Cayenne Turbo charges at 390kW for 10 to 80 per cent in just over 15 minutes. SAIC's IM5 and IM6 models, using 800 volt architecture, charge at a peak of 396kW for 10 to 80 per cent in 17 minutes.

Why it matters: Charge point operators planning network upgrades must now provision for 350kW to 400kW infrastructure to serve the premium segment, with 800 volt architecture becoming the technical baseline. The shift signals that ultra rapid charging above 350kW is moving from niche to mainstream, requiring procurement teams to future proof installations beyond current 150kW to 350kW standards.

Charles Hurst has signed deals with Chinese automakers Geely and Changan to open new Belfast showrooms on Boucher Road. The Changan dealership will feature the fully electric Deepal S07 and S05 compact SUVs, while the Geely showroom will sell the electric EX5 SUV and hybrid Starray EM-I. Geely, which owns Volvo and Lotus and ranks as the world's seventh largest automotive maker, entered the UK market last year and plans to launch 10 new models over the next three years as part of a strategy to sell 100,000 cars annually.

Why it matters: The expansion of Chinese EV brands into Northern Ireland signals growing competition in the UK market and potential demand for charging infrastructure to support new electric models. With BYD already operating dealerships in Derry and Belfast, and Geely targeting 100,000 annual UK sales, charge point operators may see increased installation opportunities at dealership sites and across the region.

The UK Government will raise first year Vehicle Excise Duty to £5,690 from 1 April 2026 for 59 petrol and diesel models across 24 manufacturers, including Ford, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Toyota, Porsche, Lotus, Lamborghini and McLaren. The charge applies to vehicles emitting over 255 g/km of CO2 and follows a £2,745 increase introduced in April 2025 that brought the rate to £5,490. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the measure to widen the cost gap between high polluting vehicles and electric vehicles.

Why it matters: The escalating tax penalty on high emission vehicles is designed to accelerate fleet electrification and boost EV adoption, directly expanding the addressable market for charging infrastructure. Procurement teams and charge point operators should anticipate increased demand from both private buyers and corporate fleets seeking to avoid the levy.