Lotus Emeya R Sets Fastest EV Lap Record in Sepang

By Danial Martinus • 15 Jul 2026 in Cars

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The Lotus Emeya R has set the fastest publicly reported lap record ever for an electric vehicle around the famed Sepang International Circuit.

The EV, driven by GT racing driver Daniel Lu, ran a lap around the 5.543 km circuit in a staggering 2:20.317 (two minutes, 20.317 seconds), beating the previous publicly reported lap record by a whopping 7.473 seconds.

In the racing world, where times are benchmarked by tenths instead of whole seconds, this is pretty impressive.

The Emeya R went around Sepang as a stock production car, not modified in any way

Making the lap record even sweeter is the fact that the Emeya R used was a regular production spec car that anyone can buy from a Lotus showroom.

It wasn’t given any track-specific modifications, which means anyone could (theoretically) drive the car the same way around Sepang, provided you’ve got the racing pedigree (and bravery).

In a vacuum, the lap record is already impressive. But when you consider the fact that the previous record (2:27.790) was achieved with a modified Tesla Model 3 Performance, it makes this achievement even greater, coming from a stock vehicle.

“At Lotus, the track has always been the ultimate proving ground. Every Lotus is engineered around one purpose – For The Drivers,” said Lotus Senior Director for Chassis and Vehicle Dynamics, Chong Yok Meng.

“Every engineering decision we make, from chassis tuning and steering feel to aerodynamics and power delivery, is focused on delivering confidence, precision, and an engaging driving experience.”

While the Lotus Emeya R isn’t sold in the Malaysian market (it’s not even available for configuration on the official Lotus Malaysia site), you can still get the Emeya 600, which isn’t as spritely or track-focused, but will probably still make you grin from ear to ear behind the wheel.

It’s also important to note that the “R” nomenclature is no longer used in the current Lotus lineup. Instead it’s split between “600” and “900” series cars, with the latter being the flagship spec. You know, just in case you’re actually in the market to get one.

With the new publicly reported lap record set, one has to wonder what new EV will be able to beat it around Sepang. Only time will tell!