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Lotus Engineering will unveil the 'EVE Hybrid' (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) technology demonstrator at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show. Developed for, and in close R
Lotus Engineering believes the application of hybrid technology is a key route for CO2 emissions reduction and that for the next five years it may remain more viable to integrate hybrid technologies into existing model ranges than to develop expensive new dedicated hybrid platforms. Solutions that Lotus Engineering can provide to its OEM clients will help them keep price premiums for hybrid variants at a minimum, thanks to lower development costs, and are available immediately for introduction within current and next generatin model lifecycles.
The EVE Hybrid programme is focussed on establishing the processes for integrating hybrid technology with minimal development time and cost, overcoming many of the challenges associated with integrating hybrid technology into existing platforms through intelligent, compact and discreet packaging of additional systems.
Ultimately, Lotus Engineering's solutions aim to provide strong, viable business case propositions for our OEM clients to offer a hybrid variant of a medium-high volume production car.
The research and development programme was undertaken by a cross-functional team of Lotus and Proton engineers working seamlessly together at Lotus Engineering's Hethel headquarters and Shah Alam, Kuala Lumpur.
Compared to the baseline Proton Gen.2, tailpipe emissions are reduced from a competitive 172g/km to just 134g/km, a reduction of 22%, while fuel economy improves from 39.2mpg to 50.2mpg, a 28% improvement.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, said: "The technologies and knowhow showcased in the EVE Hybrid are the latest addition to our suite of efficient performance solutions for the industry. As an automotive consultancy and Global OEM, Lotus is able to manage all elements of a hybrid integration project under one roof, with extensive drivetrain, vehicle, electrical and control systems expertise from design and development through to production. Our technologies and world-class engineering capabilities mean we are in a great position to help OEMs apply advanced hybrid technology to their products in order to reduce average CO2 emissions."
Mr Kimberley continued: "This project is yet another example of how the Proton / Lotus family continues to successfully deliver exceptional projects and products and the EVE Hybrid technology we have developed further reinforces the Group's position as creative technology leaders in 'green' automotive engineering. The addition of the EVE Hybrid solutions to Lotus Engineering's extensive capabilities, together with the experience of developing our Bio Ethanol flex-fuel Lotus Exige 265E means that Lotus Engineering is an ideally placed high Technology organisation suited to helping the global industry to find a solution for future low emission personal transport needs."