Lotus Explains Why Its Electric SUV Isn't Sold in the US
Lotus cites US tariffs on Chinese-made cars as the reason for not selling the Eletre in America.
Key Takeaways
- Lotus does not sell the Eletre in the United States due to US tariffs on imported Chinese-made cars.
- Lotus had completed preparations to bring the Eletre to America but decided against it due to the tariffs.
- The Eletre is Lotus’ electric SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and up to 905 horsepower.
- Lotus will only sell the Emira in the US for the 2027 model year.
- The US tariffs may kill the Lotus brand in the US if proposed legislation passes.
What Is The Lotus Eletre?
The Lotus Eletre is the automaker’s electric SUV, which recently received a plug-in hybrid powertrain in China.
The EV produces up to 905 horsepower and can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds.
The Eletre signaled a substantial shift for the Chinese-owned British brand, which built its reputation on lightweight sports cars.
Why Isn’t The Lotus Eletre Sold in the US?
Lotus does not sell the Eletre in the United States due to US tariffs on imported Chinese-made cars.
Lotus had completed preparations to bring the Eletre to America but decided against it due to the tariffs.
The company had planned to offer it in the US, but the tariffs made the business case unviable.
What Are The US Tariffs On Chinese-Made Cars?
The US tariffs on imported Chinese-made cars are a major reason for Lotus not selling the Eletre in America.
The tariffs rose to 150 percent, making it unviable for Lotus to sell the Eletre in the US.
The tariffs may kill the Lotus brand in the US if proposed legislation passes.
What Is The Impact On Lotus’ US Sales?
Lotus will only sell the Emira in the US for the 2027 model year.
The company had offered the 2025 Lotus Eletre Carbon edition in the US, but it had an eye-watering price tag of $230,000.
The tariffs have forced Lotus to make tough decisions about which cars to sell in the US.
What Does This Mean For The Future Of Lotus In The US?
The US tariffs may kill the Lotus brand in the US if proposed legislation passes.
Lotus is owned by Geely, a Chinese entity, which may lead to the brand being banned in the US.
The future of Lotus in the US is uncertain due to the tariffs and proposed legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why doesn’t Lotus sell the Eletre in the US?
A: Lotus does not sell the Eletre in the US due to US tariffs on imported Chinese-made cars.
Q: What is the Lotus Eletre?
A: The Lotus Eletre is the automaker’s electric SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and up to 905 horsepower.
Q: Will Lotus sell any cars in the US in 2027?
A: Yes, Lotus will only sell the Emira in the US for the 2027 model year.
