Lotus Emeya R Sets New Production EV Lap Record at Sepang International Circuit with Stunning 2:20.317 Time
Lotus Emeya R Becomes Fastest Production EV at Sepang International Circuit
Lotus has once again demonstrated that electrification and performance can go hand in hand. The British performance car manufacturer has officially set a new production electric vehicle (EV) lap record at Malaysia’s iconic Sepang International Circuit (SIC), proving that the future of high-performance driving is already here.
Behind the wheel was GT racing driver Daniel Lu, who piloted the showroom-standard Lotus Emeya R to an astonishing lap time of 2 minutes 20.317 seconds around the demanding 5.543-kilometre Grand Prix circuit. During the record-breaking run, the all-electric Hyper-GT reached a top speed of 248.8 km/h, making it the fastest publicly reported production EV ever to lap Sepang.
More Than Seven Seconds Faster Than the Previous EV Record
The achievement is particularly impressive as the Emeya R bettered the previous publicly reported production EV benchmark by 7.473 seconds, highlighting just how far electric vehicle technology has progressed in recent years.
Unlike many record attempts that involve modified vehicles, the Lotus Emeya R completed the lap in standard showroom specification, showcasing the remarkable engineering capabilities customers can experience straight from the factory.
The record also marks Lotus’ first all-electric Time Attack programme in Southeast Asia, further reinforcing the brand’s commitment to combining cutting-edge EV technology with its long-standing motorsport heritage.
Lotus Engineering Philosophy Continues into the Electric Era
The time attack programme was overseen by Lotus Group’s Vehicle Dynamics engineering team to ensure the vehicle retained the same setup philosophy used throughout the company’s global development programme.
According to Chong Yok Meng, Senior Director of Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics at Lotus, every Lotus model is engineered around a single philosophy, “For The Drivers.”
The Emeya R carries this DNA into the electric age through its carefully tuned chassis, precise steering response, aerodynamic efficiency and intelligent power delivery. The Sepang lap record serves not only as a performance milestone but also as validation that electrification can enhance rather than compromise the driving experience Lotus is known for.
A 905 PS Electric Hyper-GT Built for Performance
Powering the Emeya R is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing an incredible 905 PS and 985 Nm of torque.
The performance figures are equally impressive:
- 905 PS dual-motor AWD
- 985 Nm of torque
- 0–100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds
- Top speed of 256 km/h
These numbers place the Emeya R among the fastest production electric grand tourers currently available anywhere in the world.
Lotus’ Second Successful Time Attack at Sepang
This latest accomplishment follows Lotus’ successful Sepang Time Attack programme in 2025, when the Lotus Emira recorded a lap time of 2:27.932 with Malaysian motorsport legend Tengku Djan Ley behind the wheel.
During this year’s event, Tengku Djan also participated in evaluating the Emeya R alongside Daniel Lu, allowing Lotus to further demonstrate the vehicle’s capabilities across Sepang’s combination of long straights and technical corners.
The engineering team initially recorded an already record-breaking 2:22.770 before further optimising tyre and brake performance. The improvements ultimately resulted in the headline lap time of 2:20.317, cementing the Emeya R’s place in Sepang’s EV history.
Availability in Malaysia
While the record-setting Emeya R itself is not officially part of Lotus Cars Malaysia’s current retail lineup, Malaysian customers can still purchase the Lotus Emeya under the newly introduced 600 Series range.
The locally available Emeya 600 features a dual-motor electric powertrain producing 603 hp, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.15 seconds, with prices starting from RM489,000.
Electrifying the Future of Performance
The Lotus Emeya R’s achievement is more than just another lap record. It demonstrates how today’s production EVs are capable of delivering world-class performance without sacrificing everyday usability.
As electric performance cars continue to evolve, Lotus has once again proven that its famous “For The Drivers” philosophy remains alive, only now, it’s powered by electricity.
