Lotus' global intelligent workshop sets new benchmark

Construction on the global intelligent workshop of Lotus – a world-renowned British sports car brand – finished on July 15 in the Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ). That same day, its first all-electric Hyper-SUV – Eletre – rolled off the production line.

With an area estimated at 101.73 hectares and an investment of 8 billion yuan ($1.18 billion), the new workshop is the first in the world to use 3D digital twin technology in all production processes, and features four factories responsible for the assembly, pressing, welding, and coating of automobiles. It will reportedly produce three electric vehicle (EV) models, including Eletre.

Construction on the workshop has adhered to sustainability through its exhaust gas incineration system, reclaimed water recycle system, roof photovoltaic power generation system, and rainwater recycle system.

The digital version of the workshop was constructed at the same time as the physical one. Workers will simulate assembly, installation and adjustment procedures using the workshop's digital counterpart to find possible problems and solutions in a timely manner so as to improve the construction efficiency of the real workshop.

The other highlight of the workshop is its flexible production lines, which are capable of manufacturing cars of different colors and configurations. The production lines allow Lotus to further customize its products for the various needs of clients.

The workshop also boasts an F1 racing track for testing new cars. It is 3 kilometers long and has 16 curves for multiple purposes.