Lotus's electrifying hybrid

Here's one fully-charged Proton!

Auto Express Car Reviews

Hybrid transmission (right) can be retro-fitted to virtually any engine

15th March 2007

This is the EVE - a Gen2 hatchback that features a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which has been produced by Lotus Engineering. The Efficient, Variable, Environmental (EVE) system can be added to the drivetrain of virtually anycar on sale today. And the show model has been designed to demonstrate how easily manufacturers can turn a vehicle into a clean, green eco-friendly machine.

It features a compact 'micro-hybrid' start-stop system - which turns the engine off when at a standstill - a full electric motor and fuel-saving CVT automatic gearbox. Lotus, which is owned by Proton, claims that when fitted to the Gen2's 1.6-litre engine, the EVE petrol-electric hybrid powertrain cuts CO2 emissions by 22 per cent. What's more, fuel economy is improved by 28 per cent, from 39.2mpg to 50.2mpg. The system is expected to appear on a Proton production car in the next two years.