King Charles III Adds a Lotus Eletre EV to His Green Royal Garage: His Majesty King Charles III has long championed sustainability and environmental causes. Now, in a move that aligns perfectly with his eco-conscious ethos, the British monarch has reportedly acquired a Lotus Eletre, the bold and futuristic electric SUV from one of Britain’s most storied automakers. Known for his classic taste in vehicles—often seen in vintage Land Rovers and a famously bioethanol-fueled Aston Martin DB6 Volante—this pivot to the all-electric Lotus marks another chapter in his green journey. His Majesty, a fervent environmentalist for over 55 years, continues to lead by example in embracing innovative, zero-emissions mobility.
According to reports, King Charles III has opted for the Lotus Eletre in Royal Claret, a deep burgundy red historically reserved for royal vehicles. While the exact variant—whether the Eletre S or the range-topping Eletre R—remains under wraps, trusted sources like TopGear.com suggest that the Royal Household had an Eletre on loan before deciding to purchase one. This decision speaks volumes about the performance and luxury of the Lotus Eletre, a British-engineered powerhouse designed to rival electric SUVs from Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
While it might surprise some to see a monarch better known for vintage cars turning to a high-tech, all-electric hyper-SUV, it is entirely in keeping with His Majesty’s values. The move further underlines the growing appeal of EVs among traditionalists and new-age motorists alike. Let’s explore what makes the Lotus Eletre a standout choice—and why King Charles III’s endorsement could propel its popularity to new heights.
Lotus Eletre Overview
The Lotus Eletre is not just any electric vehicle; it’s Lotus’s first-ever SUV and its first production EV, combining cutting-edge electric performance with the British brand’s legendary driving dynamics. Built in Wuhan, China, under the ownership of Geely, the Eletre aims to redefine what a performance SUV can be.
Specifications of the Lotus Eletre
| Specification | Lotus Eletre S | Lotus Eletre R |
|---|---|---|
| Power Output | 603 hp | 905 hp |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | ~4.5 seconds | ~2.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 258 km/h (160 mph) | 265 km/h (165 mph) |
| Battery Capacity | 112 kWh | 112 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 600 km (373 miles) | Up to 490 km (304 miles) |
| Drive Type | Dual-motor AWD | Dual-motor AWD |
| Charging Time (10-80%) | ~20 minutes with 350 kW charger | ~20 minutes with 350 kW charger |
Features of the Lotus Eletre
Performance-Oriented Design
- Active aerodynamics including an active front grille and rear spoiler
- Adaptive air suspension and torque vectoring
- Available Track Mode on the Eletre R
Interior Technology
- 15.1-inch OLED touchscreen infotainment system
- KEF premium audio system with Dolby Atmos
- Heads-up display with AR integration
Comfort and Luxury
- Massage seats with ventilation
- Four-zone climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
Safety and Driver Assistance
- Lidar-based autonomous driving features (Level 2+ ready)
- 34 sensors, including cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors
- Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking
Also read: Honda X-ADV Launched in India at Rs 11.90 Lakh: A Game-Changer in the Premium Scooter Segment
Performance Review: A Hyper SUV
While many EVs focus on efficiency, the Lotus Eletre brings supercar performance into SUV form. Especially in the Eletre R variant, the vehicle can sprint from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds—rivaling the likes of the Tesla Model X Plaid and Lamborghini Urus. Even the standard Eletre S is no slouch, offering robust acceleration and nimble handling despite its size.
Lotus has managed to balance brute force with refined dynamics, thanks to innovations in chassis tuning and software-enhanced traction control. For a vehicle of this size and weight, the Eletre remains impressively agile—something His Majesty may well appreciate when gliding around Balmoral or Sandringham.
Design Language: Where Tradition Meets the Future
The Lotus Eletre boasts a bold and futuristic design while maintaining the brand’s minimalist ethos. Sharp lines, dramatic lighting elements, and the aggressive front fascia hint at its performance DNA. The rear features a full-width LED light bar and an active spoiler, emphasizing both form and function.
Inside, the cabin is wrapped in sustainable materials, including wool-blend textiles, recycled carbon fiber, and vegan leather options—sure to resonate with King Charles III’s environmental ideals. The dashboard is streamlined, with most physical buttons replaced by haptic and digital interfaces, creating a high-tech yet uncluttered space.
Price Details and Availability
The Lotus Eletre is currently available in global markets including the UK and parts of Europe. Here’s a breakdown of estimated pricing:
| Variant | Estimated UK Price | Estimated India Price (Imported) |
|---|---|---|
| Eletre | £89,500 | ₹1.15 crore |
| Eletre S | £104,500 | ₹1.35 crore |
| Eletre R | £120,000+ | ₹1.65 crore |
These prices may vary depending on optional add-ons, import duties, and region-specific taxes.
Launch Date and Global Reach
The Lotus Eletre was unveiled globally in 2022 and deliveries began in 2023. The vehicle has already entered markets in Europe, the UK, and China, with North American deliveries expected to expand in 2025. Though not officially launched in India, private imports are possible.
A Royal Stamp of Approval
The decision by King Charles III to purchase the Lotus Eletre gives the vehicle a kind of prestige and global visibility that few EVs can match. It reinforces the car’s identity as not just a high-performance machine, but also a symbol of eco-luxury and sustainable motoring. This choice will undoubtedly influence a segment of buyers who look to the Royal Family as tastemakers and trendsetters.
With a blend of performance, style, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, the Lotus Eletre is more than just a car—it’s a statement. And now, thanks to King Charles III, it’s a royal one too.
Lotus Eletre and King Charles III Conclusion
In choosing the Lotus Eletre, King Charles III sends a clear message: sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. The all-electric SUV reflects not only his lifelong commitment to the environment but also a willingness to embrace innovation. The Royal Claret Eletre isn’t just another EV in the royal garage—it’s a milestone that highlights how far electric vehicles have come.
As the automotive world shifts towards cleaner technologies, the endorsement of an iconic figure like King Charles III gives a strong push to luxury EV adoption. The Lotus Eletre, with its stunning design, powerful capabilities, and eco-conscious features, proves that the future of motoring can indeed be electric—and majestic.
Lotus Eletre and King Charles III FAQs
1. What variant of the Lotus Eletre did King Charles III buy?
While not officially confirmed, reports suggest that King Charles III may have opted for either the Eletre S or the more powerful Eletre R. The car is expected to feature a custom Royal Claret paint finish.
2. What makes the Lotus Eletre stand out in the EV market?
The Lotus Eletre stands out with its hyper SUV performance, offering up to 905 hp, a sub-3 second 0-100 km/h time, and a range of up to 600 km. It combines classic Lotus driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric technology and luxury features.
3. How does the Eletre reflect King Charles III’s environmental commitment?
King Charles III has a long history of promoting sustainability. From converting his Aston Martin DB6 to run on bioethanol to owning an electric Jaguar I-Pace, the Lotus Eletre is the latest addition to his green fleet, further highlighting his dedication to eco-conscious living.
4. Is the Lotus Eletre available in India?
The Lotus Eletre is not officially launched in India, but it can be imported privately. Expected pricing starts around ₹1.15 crore, depending on variant and customization.
