# Lotus Eletre — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Lotus Eletre on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/lotus-eletre

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2023
- **Ideal trim**: Eletre S
- **Target mileage**: 5,000–15,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £82,500

## Why this model

The Lotus Eletre is a groundbreaking car for Lotus, marking their entry into the electric SUV market. It's a fantastic choice if you're looking for a high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced electric SUV. It offers blistering acceleration, a comfortable and premium interior, and a distinctive design that stands out from the crowd. Being an EV, it's also much cheaper to 'fuel' than a petrol equivalent, especially if you can charge at home.

## What you should pay

As a very new, high-end electric SUV, the Eletre has seen significant depreciation from its new price, which is typical for luxury EVs in their first few years. However, its scarcity and desirability mean it holds its value better than some mass-market EVs. Expect prices for a 2023 model to be in the £70,000-£100,000 range, depending on trim and mileage. We're seeing the steepest part of the depreciation curve now, making a 2023 model a smart buy.

## Which trim to buy

The Eletre S trim hits the sweet spot for value. While the base Eletre is still impressive, the 'S' adds some really nice-to-have features like soft-close doors, an active rear spoiler, and an upgraded KEF audio system, which enhance the luxury experience without the significant price jump of the top-tier 'R' model. You get the same powerful 603 hp and long range as the base model, but with a more premium feel that justifies the slight increase in price on the used market.

## What to check before you buy

- Early software glitches (common for new EVs)
- Infotainment system quirks
- Potential for minor trim rattles (early production)

## Running costs

Running an Eletre is surprisingly affordable compared to a petrol SUV of similar performance. Home charging on a standard tariff (around 34p/kWh) will cost about 10.2p per mile. If you switch to a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 7.5p/kWh overnight), this drops to a super-cheap 2.25p per mile. For 10,000 miles a year, that's roughly £1,020 on a standard tariff or just £225 on a smart tariff. Road tax is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance will be high due to its performance and value, likely ranging from £1,500 to £3,000+ annually depending on your personal circumstances.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 603 hp (Eletre/Eletre S) / 905 hp (Eletre R)
- **Mpg**: 3.0 miles/kWh (WLTP equivalent)
- **Reliability Score**: Good (based on early owner feedback and Geely platform)
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2023)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Eletre | £89,500 | £72,500 | 603 hp dual-motor AWD; 112 kWh battery (373 miles WLTP); 22-inch alloy wheels |
| Eletre S | £104,500 | £82,500 | All Eletre features plus:; Soft-close doors; Active rear spoiler |
| Eletre R | £120,500 | £97,500 | All Eletre S features plus:; 905 hp dual-motor AWD; 0-60 mph in 2.95 seconds |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £82,500 | 100% |
| 2027 | £67,650 | 82% |
| 2028 | £58,160 | 70% |
| 2029 | £51,760 | 63% |
| 2030 | £47,100 | 57% |

The Eletre is currently in its steepest depreciation phase, having just come off new car prices. Buying a 2023 model in 2026 means you're letting the first owner take the biggest hit. While it will continue to depreciate, the rate should slow down after 3-4 years. The sweet spot for buying is now, and for selling, it would be around 2029-2030 when the depreciation curve flattens out more, or before a major model refresh.

Total value lost since new: 43%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
- [BMW iX](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-ix.md)
- Audi Q8 e-tron

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.