Lotus to launch new charger business in Europe
Lotus is set to enter the ultra-rapid charging market in Europe with the launch of Lotus Flash Charging.
Already operating in China, the sister company to Lotus Cars builds a variety of home and public chargers along with domestic and commercial energy storage solutions.
The firm’s sales director Tommi Melkko told EV Powered that it was currently in the process of establishing a legal entity in Europe and laying the groundwork for supply chains, aftermarket support and supplier partnerships.
Once that is complete, it will begin introducing its products, which range from 22kW home chargers to the latest 450kW liquid-cooled public charging devices.
Melkko said that Lotus Flash had no intention of becoming a chargepoint operator itself, unlike China, where Lotus drivers have access to an exclusive Tesla-style network of Lotus chargers. Instead, the firm’s aim is to become a major ‘white box’ supplier to charging networks and other OEM car brands seeking a premium charging solution.
He cited Audi’s exclusive charging hubs in Germany which are situated close to high-quality amenities or feature their own VIP lounge, as an example of the kind of facility to which Lotus Flash could supply its ultra-rapid devices.
He also said the firm had scope to build bespoke chargers with unique cabinet designs housing its technology. It has already begun this in China where it supplies distinctive Polestar-branded chargers to its sister brand under the Geely umbrella.
Lotus Flash Charging was set up in China in 2018 to provide high-powered charging hardware and software to businesses but also offers some consumer-facing products including 22kW home wallboxes and domestic battery system for home energy storage.
It currently sells a variety of high-end liquid-cooled ultra-rapid chargers capable of delivering 450kW, which will allow the Emeya hyper-GT to add more than 260 miles of range in under 15 minutes. However, it also plans to launch a range of cheaper air-cooled devices offering between 120 and 320kW later this year.
Sadly, due to the regulatory complexity, the UK and Europe won’t be getting the fully automated charging stations Lotus Flash has already begun rolling out in China.
But Melkko did say that the business plans to expand its manufacturing operations into Europe to supply local markets.
