Ben Collins Drives Lotus Evija | Shocking Performance
Key Stats and Initial Impressions
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Power: 2,011hp from four electric motors
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Weight: 1.9 tons (approx. 3,700 lbs), relatively light for a performance EV
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Acceleration: 0-60mph in a shade over 2 seconds, top speed 217mph
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Chassis: Made from solid carbon fibre; the driver sits in a sculpted, race-inspired cockpit
Collins describes the experience as stepping into a "proper EV hypercar," noting its science-fiction doors, Star Trek-style cameras for mirrors, and the shockingly minimal, Spartan cabin with exposed carbon around the dashboard and chassis.
On-Track Sensation
Rolling out in Sport mode (with traction control dialed in for safety), Collins is immediately struck by the smoothness and near-silent motion of the car, broken only by a futuristic electric whine and a sensation of being launched by a Tokyo bullet train. Even at cautious throttle, the car feels composed and planted. But with a jab of the throttle on Hangar Straight, the Evija’s 1,800Nm of torque arrives all at once, hurling the car forward with violence few combustion cars can match. Collins likens it to the explosive surge of a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, but notes the Evija's instant torque is on another level for straight-line punch.
Handling, Dynamics, and Braking
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Despite its weight, the Evija masks mass well thanks to immense grip, advanced chassis electronics, and powerful brakes.
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Under spirited driving, the car’s handling balance remains neutral, but the sheer weight is felt as the limits approach, especially under heavy braking or at high g-force corners.
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The steering, a Lotus hallmark, is direct and communicative, channeling decades of sports car DNA.
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Aero and DRS systems give added stability and straight-line speed, while selectable modes (Tour, Sport, Track) adjust responses from docile to full ballistic.
Collins experiments with different drive modes, ultimately pushing the car in Track mode to get a feel for its rawest responses. Here, the Evija shows its dual nature: an absolute missile in a straight line but requiring driver respect and finesse when asks for everything in the corners.
Real-World EV Factors
As with all current hyper-EVs, battery charge can drain rapidly during flat-out track sessions. Collins notes starting with a healthy state of charge, but after just a few high-speed laps, drops to 45%—evidence of the energy demands of 2,000hp.
The Evija is equipped with an 800-volt charging system for rapid recharging between sessions, supporting ultra-fast pit stops for future track days.
Conclusion
The Lotus Evija astonishes as a technical showcase and as an experience behind the wheel. Collins sums it up as "absolutely amazing technology," blending science fiction power with the tactile, engaging dynamic traits that Lotus is famous for. It's a hypercar that balances brutal acceleration with enough athleticism to satisfy driving purists—provided, of course, your battery and sense of self-preservation hold up.
Final Takeaways
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The Evija feels more like a spaceship than a car but retains true Lotus character through its steering and driver engagement.
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Straight-line performance is savage; the handling is impressive, masking weight up to the very highest limits.
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Usability is decent for an extreme hypercar, but the battery range is best measured in laps, not miles, when driven in anger.
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As a statement, the Evija cements Lotus’s place in the electric age—pushing boundaries while honouring the brand’s racing spirit.
