Alpine and Lotus are (already) reviewing their alliance. This was reported by Automotive News Europe with reference to several internal sources who wished to remain anonymous. If so, the electric heir to the A110 will see the light of day in a different project than the one that was originally planned and announced in 2021.

In fact, the Renault group then announced a partnership with the Geely-owned brand to explore the feasibility of creating a common platform for the new A110 and Lotus’ upcoming small electric sports car. But obviously this partnership will be questioned.

Rethinking partnership?

According to Automotive New Europe, an Alpine spokeswoman said the alliance with Lotus is still active and a final decision will be announced in the coming months. No comments were made by Renault and Lotus.

Alpine’s decision would have been several months ago. As demonstrated by the Alpenglow concept unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last October, Alpine already has the know-how to create a next-generation electric sports car. Therefore, a partnership with Lotus will not be absolutely necessary for the future electric A110, which is scheduled for release in 2026.

However, the two manufacturers may collaborate for other future projects, particularly as Alpine’s range expands in the coming years with several electric SUVs, some of which may share elements with future Lotus electric SUVs.

Differences with Lotus?

During an event that brought together several hundred Alpines in Dieppe this weekend, which included the Alpine A290_β and A110 E-ternité concept cars, we were able to discuss this with the brand’s engineer present on site.

He actually told us that the Dieppe firm returned its work around the electric A110 to Francethus moving away from Lotus without necessarily going into the details of why and how.

However, our source, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed this to us the partnership between Alpine and Lotus did not fail. Alpine will simply take more control of the development of its electric A110, probably because there is some disagreement over the development of a shared platform with Lotus.