Historically known as the creators of handmade automotive masterpieces, and a brand synonymous with racetracks and adrenaline, Lotus might not be considered an expert on autonomous driving. This assumption would be wrong.
Everything we have ever achieved has been born out of our refusal to settle for the status quo. A philosophy that keeps us moving, in whatever direction we decide to take. Today, as we embark on a new era of sustainable engineering, we are committed to making our autonomous technology as exceptional as every other aspect of our cars.
Autonomy refers to a vehicle’s ability to navigate and operate without human interference. It relies on a complex blend of sensors, cameras, radars, and advanced computing systems that enable vehicles to perceive their environment, make informed decisions, and control their movements. This ‘intelligence’ is measured using a six-level classification system established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Level 0 is when the driver retains full responsibility for all aspects of driving—zero automation. Level 1 includes features like cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. Level 2 is considered partial automation. Where the car can control steering, acceleration, and deceleration under certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take over at any time. Level 3 autonomy allows the driver to disengage temporarily. The vehicle can manage most driving tasks under certain conditions, but driver intervention is needed when prompted. At level 4, the car can perform all driving tasks within a specific operational domain without human intervention, except in exceptional circumstances. And level 5 is fully autonomous, in every situation. Our ultimate goal.
In the name of progress, the CEO of the Lotus Robotics division, Li Bo, is known for obsessively testing our technology. Interestingly, a trial version of the Eletre has recently and successfully driven more than 120 miles without correction. Results that suggest level 4 autonomy, while many of our competitors are still only delivering level 2 capabilities.
The Lotus Eletre is equipped with Lidar for comprehensive 3D mapping, ultra-HD telephoto cameras, and millimetre-wave radar to calculate potential obstacles' position, speed, and direction. Its autonomous chipset makes up to 508 trillion calculations per second for state-of-the-art vehicle and environmental monitoring, making it one of the most advanced cars on the market.
While autonomous driving is not yet permitted in Europe, the EU Commission is making moves to get self-driving cars on the road—including new legislation around the sale of next-gen vehicles and relevant changes to car safety standards. As the industry moves out of the testing phase to realise and commercialise autonomous technology, we want to hit the ground rolling.