Few cars are as carbon neutral as the Eco Elise from Lotus. It’s just a prototype at the moment, but packing hemp bodywork, woven seats and solar panels means its one of the most futuristic cars around.

Created as part of Lotus’ drive to become the “green consultancy” of the motoring world, it shows how eco-friendly materials can be used to create cars without sacrificing quality or speed.

Every aspect of the Eco Elise’s production has been made cleaner and greener. Even the paint used is water-based, to reduce emissions and chemicals used in its production.

The hemp hard top of the Eco Elise also has two flexible solar panels neatly
embedded. When driving around, they suck power from the sky to fuel electrical systems that would otherwise drain energy from the engine.

Lotus’s attention to detail is exquisite. Even the Elise’s audio system has been refined, with a lightweight speaker system from Alpine saving 1.5kg in weight.

Add to that the car’s use of a “red light” system to help drivers exert the maximum efficiency from each gear change, and you’ve got one seriously planet-friendly sports car. Did we mention it looks the business too? Check out our gallery below for a closer look.

TBC | £TBC | Lotus