Lotus Eletre Exits Market Amid U.S. Tariffs and Tech Restrictions

The Lotus Eletre electric SUV has exited the U.S. market. Due to increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles—raised from 25% to 150%—the model has become commercially unviable in the United States. Initially planned to start at $107,000, the Eletre was only offered in its top-trim Eletre Carbon variant under the 100% tariff, priced at $232,900. Imports ceased after Lotus sold out its 2025 allocation for the U.S. market. Additionally, the U.S. "Connected Vehicle Rule" prohibits the sale of new vehicles equipped with Chinese technology, effectively blocking both the China-produced Eletre and Emeya—available in all-electric and plug-in hybrid versions—from entering the U.S. market. Currently, only the Emira sports car, which is manufactured locally in the United States, remains unaffected by these policies and can be legally sold through the 2027 model year, with expectations that it will continue to be available in the U.S. market.