King Charles and Queen Camilla Debut New Electric Lotus Eletre at Sandringham
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have made their first public appearance in their brand new electric Lotus Eletre sports car, valued at approximately £160,000. The 77-year-old monarch and his consort were driven in the distinctive Royal Claret motor to attend the Sunday church service at St Peter's Church in Sandringham this morning.
"Silent But Deadly": King's Humorous Remark on New Vehicle
A visibly delighted King Charles, who had placed an order for the environmentally-friendly vehicle last year, shared a light-hearted moment with royal enthusiasts gathered outside the Norfolk church. The monarch joked that the Lotus was "silent but deadly", referencing both its electric powertrain and impressive performance capabilities.
It is understood that His Majesty intends to use the high-performance Lotus, which can reach speeds of up to 164 miles per hour, as a practical run-around vehicle on his expansive Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Technical Specifications of the Royal Lotus Eletre
The Lotus Eletre represents a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology, combining supercar-level performance with genuine environmental credentials. This all-electric "hyper-SUV" offers several impressive features:
- A substantial 280-mile range on a single battery charge
- Remarkable acceleration from 0-62mph in just 2.95 seconds
- Manufactured in Hethel, Norfolk – conveniently located just a few miles from the Sandringham estate
Royal Transition to Electric Mobility
This acquisition follows the King's announcement last year regarding the installation of electric charging points at various royal residences and the purchase of two new electric BMW vehicles. Prior to obtaining the Lotus, the royal family had been testing the model on loan.
King Charles previously utilised the royal family's inaugural all-electric car, an EV400 HSE Jaguar I-Pace, which was delivered in 2018. However, this vehicle was auctioned off last year as part of the ongoing modernisation of the royal fleet.
Environmental Symbolism and Industry Context
The addition of this electric vehicle to His Majesty's garage has been warmly welcomed by environmental campaigners, who view it as a powerful symbol of royal endorsement for electric mobility. This endorsement arrives at a crucial moment for Britain's automotive industry, which faces stringent government mandates to transition toward electric vehicles or risk substantial financial penalties.
Historical Context: The King's Automotive Collection
King Charles's automotive interests extend well beyond contemporary electric vehicles. The monarch has long demonstrated appreciation for classic British engineering, with several notable vehicles in his collection:
- A cherished Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, presented as a 21st birthday gift from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. This vehicle was converted in 2008 to operate on bioethanol derived from fermented plant waste.
- Multiple classic Rolls-Royce Phantoms maintained in the royal mews, all finished in Royal Claret. These include a 1961 Phantom V limousine that previously served as a state car and a 1962 landaulet model inherited from the Queen Mother.
Distinction Between Official and Personal Vehicles
A clear distinction exists between vehicles used for official state business and those employed for personal transportation. Royal vehicles deployed on state occasions typically remain without number plates, while privately owned motors – including the King's expanding eco-friendly fleet – display standard DVLA registrations.
Future Developments for the Royal Fleet
The decision to acquire this environmentally-conscious vehicle aligns with King Charles's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. During the summer of 2024, Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, disclosed that even the official state Bentleys will soon be adapted to operate on biofuels. This forms part of broader discussions regarding a completely electric future for the entire royal vehicle fleet.
Corporate Background of Lotus
Lotus, the historic British automotive manufacturer responsible for producing the King's latest vehicle, is now 51% owned by Chinese conglomerate Geely. This corporation also controls Volvo and the manufacturers of London's iconic black taxis, representing significant international investment in British automotive heritage.
