Lotus Eletre Lands In US, Price Soars To $229,000 Thanks To Chinese EV Tariffs

Lotus recently blamed US tariffs on Chinese EVs for a significant reduction in its sales forecast

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/                                    

The Lotus Eletre has finally touched down on North American shores, in the form of an exclusive, ultra-luxurious variant known as the Eletre Carbon. It will initially set back US buyers at least $229,900, a massive increase from the $107,000 starting price first announced back in April. The reason? Tariffs and this new special edition launch model.

When Lotus first announced plans to launch the Eletre in the U.S., the Biden administration had yet to hike tariffs on EVs built in China from 25% to 100%. This allowed it to price the electric SUV very competitively, giving it a good chance to succeed in the U.S. market.

Read: Lotus May Put The Brakes On Elise EV Development To Wait For Lighter Batteries

However, the tariff hike – announced just weeks after the carmaker’s original pricing release – has forced it to reposition its products in the US.

The Eletre Carbon is based on the highest-performance version of the SUV, known as the Eletre R, which was originally going to start at $145,000. That means it rocks a 111.9 kWh battery pack with a pair of electric motors rated at a combined 905 hp and 727 lb-ft (985 Nm) of torque. It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.95 seconds and is capable of a 165 mph (265 km/h) top speed.

What does the Eletre Carbon offer that’s unique? Well, it’s available in a new shade of black known as Stardust with a lovely satin finish and has some extra carbon fiber across the exterior. Other color options include Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Solar Yellow, Akoya White, Galloway Green, Blossom Grey, and Cinnabar Red.

Lotus has worked with Bridge of Weir to craft three distinct leather colorways for the EV, while also adding charcoal Alcantara and a carbon fiber steering wheel. The seats have five different massage modes, there’s complex ambient lighting and an intelligent panoramic glass roof that can switch between clear and opaque. The usually-optional carbon ceramic brakes also come standard.

In announcing the launch of the Eletre Carbon, Lotus made no mention of lesser versions of the model, meaning it’s unclear if the regular Eletre and Eletre R are still heading to the US. If they are, prices will likely change from what was promised six months ago.

North American customers who want a new Eletre will be offered a wide range of customization options through the new Lotus Chapman Bespoke service.