Lotus has launched a groundbreaking response to the electric car world with the Emeya, the brand’s first all-electric “Hyper-GT” model. The Emeya set a new certified record for fast charging in a test conducted on a public charging network.
10% to 80% in Just 13 Minutes and 35 Seconds
The test, independently completed by Lotus Al Ghanim in Kuwait, targeted the crucial 10% to 80% charging range and was based on the most common benchmark in real-world use. Connected to Lotus’s own ultra-fast 450 kW DC charger, the Lotus Emeya achieved a breathtaking peak charging speed of 443 kW.
The car charged its battery from 10% to 80% in just 13 minutes and 35 seconds. This impressive feat was achieved in Kuwait’s intense heat, demonstrating the durability and reliability of the vehicle and its charging technology, even under challenging conditions.
To enable such lightning-fast charging, the Lotus Emeya relies on several key technical features found at the cutting edge of modern EVs. Central to this performance is an 800V charging system specifically designed to handle fast charging speeds and deliver greater overall efficiency. This high-voltage system is also used in the brand’s powerful hyper-SUV, the Lotus Eletre.
The battery itself features an advanced architecture called cell-to-pack. This clever design allows engineers to fit approximately 20% more cells into the battery space than with older, standard module architectures. More cells translates to more energy.
The Emeya utilizes a new cooling system architecture specifically designed to improve the battery’s thermal performance and efficiency during both driving and fast charging.
For the driver, this translates to good range and minimal downtime. The Emeya can add up to 310 km of range (WLTC) in just 10 minutes of charging. With an energy consumption rate of 18.7 kWh per 100 km, the 2026 Lotus Emeya can boast a WLTP range of up to 610 km.
Lotus has developed a fully integrated charging ecosystem that works through the Lotus Cars app and the in-car infotainment system, Lotus HyperOS, to help drivers quickly find nearby public chargers. This intelligent EV routing system aims to reduce range anxiety and shorten travel times by recommending optimal routes based on driver real-time battery usage.
Lotus has begun installing its own ultra-fast 450 kW DC chargers in Europe, starting in Germany and soon expanding across the continent. This charging speed record proves that electric cars are ready for this speed, but the only thing missing is widespread and reliable infrastructure.
