Upcoming Lotus electric sedan spied on a tow truck in the Arctic

Lotus has the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid in its sights, with a high-performance sedan undergoing final testing.

The 2023 Lotus Envya – as it’s expected to be called – has been seen with minimal camouflage in the Arctic Circle, but it seems not everything went to plan.

The electric Lotus sedan – codenamed Type 133 – was caught on camera while testing, complete in a celebratory wrap marking the British car-maker’s 75th anniversary.

After a short drive in the snow, our European spy photographer partners report the Lotus was then loaded onto the back of a tow truck.

The Lotus is positioned to compete directly against the electric Porsche Taycan, based on the same Electric Premium Architecture that underpins the Lotus Eletre SUV.

The larger SUV is fitted with a 112kWh battery pack, with either 450kW/710Nm or 675kW/985Nm on tap from its dual electric motors, depending on the variant.

MORE: 2023 Lotus Envya – Type 133 electric four-door spied for the first time

Driving range is claimed up to 600km from the Eletre SUV, or up to 490km for the higher-powered version – though these figures should improve thanks to the Type 133’s low-profile body.

The 800-volt platform can accept DC fast-charging up to 350kW, recharging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes, according to Lotus.

Like the Eletre, the sedan is also expected to feature ‘active aero’, with the large air intake in the front bumper able to open or close to help improve battery consumption.

It’s not yet confirmed whether the Type 133 sedan will be called the Envya, however trademark filings suggest it could potentially be called the Etude, with the two badges registered at the same time.

MORE: 2024 Lotus Eletre – 675kW electric SUV confirmed for Australia

While the Porsche Taycan is believed to be the main competitor for the Lotus, the Type 133 should also provide an alternative for those considering a Tesla Model S Plaid.

The test car seen in the images has also been fitted with a roll cage inside, along with a pair of Recaro sports seats – with the additional safety gear suggesting the car will be driven to its limits during testing.

Given the car’s livery, the Lotus Type 133 should be revealed to the public in the coming month, though there’s no word on when the vehicle will be available to Australian buyers.

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