Lotus Challenges Tesla With 450kW Water-Cooled EV Chargers

Lotus, now part of the Chinese-owned automotive multinational Geely, is venturing into the electric vehicle (EV) charging market to compete with Tesla’s Supercharger technology. Geely’s latest development is ultra-fast charging stations capable of delivering 450kW, surpassing some of the fastest chargers currently in use.

The technology is featured in the Geely-influenced Lotus Eletre R, which claims to add approximately 88.5 miles (142 km) of range in just five minutes, making it one of the most competitive electric vehicle chargers.

To manage the substantial electricity flow in the system, Lotus has introduced a Liquid-Cooled Power Cabinet designed for locations requiring high energy for efficient and rapid charging, such as motorway rest stops.

Additionally, a more compact Liquid-Cooled Charging Unit can simultaneously charge up to four vehicles, catering to various charging speeds for cars lacking the 800V charging hardware for ultra-fast charging.

The liquid-cooling approach ensures the safety of the high-speed charging process. Lotus emphasizes the openness of its network to vehicles from other manufacturers. The fast-charging technology is already being deployed in China, with plans for expansion to Europe and the Middle East in the second quarter of the following year.

Lotus aims to address a common concern among EV owners — slow charging sessions and extended waiting times at charging stations. The ultra-fast charging capability, adding ten miles in five minutes, is positioned as a significant improvement compared to current charging times.

This move aligns with the broader industry goal of enhancing charging infrastructure to boost consumer confidence in electric vehicles as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Tesla’s V3 Supercharger, with a peak rate of 250kW, is already known for impressive performance, and Lotus’s entry into the market is poised to further accelerate the transition from internal combustion engines to electric power.

Paulo Montenegro
Categories: General
Tags: Electric Cars, Lotus