The Evora 414E is built as a demonstrator to show the technology Lotus is working on, and is claimed to have reached its testing phase earlier than expected. It uses two EVO electric motors at the rear wheels, offering a 30-mile range from a mains-supplied charge, and a Lotus-developed three-cylinder petrol engine to top up the battery on the move.

This powertrain offers 408bhp and 738lb.ft torque, allowing the car to reach 60mph in four seconds with a top speed of 130mph. To boost its environmental performance, the range-extending petrol engine can be run on bio alcohol fuels.

Simon Corbett, principal vehicle dynamics test and development engineer at Lotus Engineering, said: ‘The Evora S has 295lb.ft of torque which in such a lightweight car is already a healthy figure. But the Evora 414E has two and a half times that amount! The acceleration sensation is almost indescribable, the surge of torque is like an ocean wave!’

Development is being part-funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board, thorugh its REEVolution project. This is aimed at creating a UK-based supply chain for electric and hybrid vehicles, and partners include Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus and Nissan, working for Infiniti.