The fully electric sportscar was engineered by Callum with sophisticated battery tech by Nyobolt and styling by Julian Thomson who also penned the first-generation of the Elise
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Ian Callum’s design and engineering firm together with battery-tech company Nyobolt presented a new sportscar concept capable of charging in just 6 minutes. The Nyobolt EV is not only interesting on the battery tech front but also in terms of styling since it looks like a modern homage to the original Lotus Elise.
The obvious similarities are explained by the fact that the man responsible for the concept’s styling is Julian Thomson who is also the father of the Lotus Elise S1. Thomson is no stranger to Ian Callum as the two men worked side by side for 18 years at Jaguar. The Nybolt EV was designed in 2021 before Thomson took on his current role as the design director of GM Advanced Design Europe.
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The Nyobolt EV is 100 mm (3.9 inches) wider and 150 mm (5.9 inches) longer compared to the tiny Elise but remains compact and lightweight despite having a fully electric powertrain. The carbon fiber bodywork looks more muscular compared to the original, thanks to the addition of modern styling traits. The mid-engined proportions are further enhanced thanks to the higher beltline, the toned-up fenders, and the bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
The round LED headlights double as functional intakes, while the quad LED taillights also integrate air ducts. The front bumper is more reminiscent of the Exige, but the “smiling” grille of the Elise is still present. Other features include the mirror-replacing cameras, the side intakes, the rear deck which looks like a vented engine cover, the ducktail spoiler, and the removable composite roof panel which turns it into a roadster. Finally, the Type 2 charging port is mounted at the B-pillar, hidden behind a sleek cover.
Ultra-Fast Charging Revolution
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The Elise-inspired looks might be cool, but the ultimate highlight of the Nyobolt EV is the battery technology. The sportscar comes fitted with a rather small 35 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, contributing to its low weight of around 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds). The driving range is up to 250 km (155 miles), with a full charge completed in just 6 minutes, using existing charging infrastructure technology. This number is comparable with the refueling time in a gas station, and faster than anything else we have heard to date. Rapid chargers are usually the enemy of long-lasting batteries but Nyobolt claims that the unit was tested for over 2,000 fast-charging cycles without showing a significant loss in performance.
The specifications may sound futuristic, but Nyobolt claims that its battery will enter production in early 2024 and is “ready to be adopted” across the automotive industry. Callum and Nyobolt didn’t go into specifics about the output figures of the electric powertrain but said that a functional engineering prototype will follow shortly.
Unfortunately, there is no word on whether the Nyobolt EV concept will reach production. If that happens, it would certainly be good news for fans of the Lotus Elise which was discontinued in 2021, effectively being replaced by the Emira all-rounder.
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