The Future of Advanced Propulsion

Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering announced a partnership that will allow them to share technologies and research information. The companies hope to develop the future of advanced propulsion technologies. This likely refers to electric powertrains.

Road and Track made mention of the plug-in hybrid Evora 414E that Lotus revealed back in 2012. While there’s no indication that the company will work on that car specifically, Lotus and Williams Advanced Engineering will work on a hybrid or an electric car.

In the press release from the companies, Lotus and Williams make mention of Formula E and electric powertrains. With the success of both companies on these fronts, it makes them a natural fit to work together. Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars seemed to be very optimistic about the move. 

Our new technology partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering is part of a strategy to expand our knowledge and capability in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. Applying advanced propulsion powertrains can provide numerous exciting solutions across multiple vehicle sectors. Our combined and complementary experiences make this a very compelling match of engineering talent, technical ability and pioneering British spirit.

Williams Advanced Engineering also sounded excited. Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering said that the partnership would help both companies “developing next-generation powertrains.” 

Lotus is in the middle of a bit of a revitalization. The company had its best year in decades in 2018, and it has a new sugar daddy in the form of Geely as one of its newest investors. The company wants to take on the big players like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari.