In a surprising move that speaks volumes about the current state of the global car market, King Charles III has opted for a luxury electric vehicle from Wuhan over the once-glamorous Tesla. As royal tastes evolve and sustainability remains in focus, this decision reflects shifting allegiances, both political and environmental.
A royal Snub to Tesla
Just a year ago, few would have imagined that a British monarch might bypass Tesla—arguably the most prominent electric vehicle brand in the world—for a Chinese-made SUV. Yet that’s exactly what happened. Reports surfaced this week that King Charles III has ordered a fully electric Lotus Eletre, a high-performance luxury SUV with a price tag of $210,000.
The decision is not just a matter of personal taste. Tesla has recently experienced a significant decline in brand perception, particularly in Europe. Sales have dropped steeply, and CEO Elon Musk’s entanglements with U.S. politics—particularly his involvement with Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—have alienated a portion of the global consumer base. For a monarch who has long championed climate causes and whose public image relies heavily on diplomacy and environmentalism, Tesla is no longer the obvious choice.
Why Lotus and why Wuhan?
The choice of a Lotus Eletre may still reflect Charles’s preference for brands with a British heritage. Founded by British engineer Colin Chapman in 1948, Lotus was historically a boutique sports car company known for its sleek designs and agile engineering. However, the brand has changed dramatically in recent years. Acquired 51% by Zhejiang Geely, a Chinese automotive giant, Lotus moved its production from the U.K. to Wuhan, China in 2022—the same city that became globally known as the origin point of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wuhan is now a booming industrial hub and home to cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturing facilities. The Lotus Eletre, while bearing a British name, is very much a product of Chinese innovation. For King Charles—an advocate of modernization and environmental consciousness—this combination of heritage and future-forward design might have been especially appealing.
Designed for the crown
Reports indicate that Charles’s new ride will be customized in “royal claret”, a deep scarlet hue traditionally used in royal transport. It’s not merely a stylistic decision; it signals the monarch’s intention to maintain continuity and dignity, even when traveling privately. According to a source cited by The Sun, the color will ensure the car “looks far more professional” and maintains visual consistency with the state fleet.
Performance-wise, the Eletre doesn’t disappoint. It offers a range of 280 miles, can reach 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 162 mph. While Charles is unlikely to be testing the limits of its speed, the specs reinforce that electric vehicles can be luxurious, practical, and sustainable—all at once.
The eco-friendly legacy continues
King Charles’s environmental credentials are long-standing. From organic farming to eco-architecture, the monarch has championed sustainable living for decades. His decision to have his beloved Aston Martin DB6—a birthday gift from Queen Elizabeth—converted to run on biofuels made headlines as a charming example of eco-conscious royalty.
This purchase of the Eletre fits squarely within that narrative. The royal household is reportedly encouraging official state vehicle suppliers, including Bentley, to begin developing fully electric alternatives. If they cannot meet the challenge, the palace may consider switching to other manufacturers altogether. It’s a subtle but clear signal: sustainability is no longer optional—even for royal limousines.
As the U.K. prepares to ban the sale of petrol- and diesel-only cars by 2030, the monarchy seems keen to lead by example. Though some ceremonial vehicles are exempt from the legislation, the shift toward electric is inevitable—and in this case, embraced willingly.
The Tesla downturn
Tesla’s fall from grace in Europe adds further context to Charles’s choice. According to The Associated Press, Tesla’s sales in the region plunged 49% in the first two months of the year. In the U.S., The New York Times reported a 9% dip in sales in the first quarter alone. While increased competition and economic uncertainty certainly played a role, many critics point to Elon Musk’s political pivot as a key driver.
The Tesla CEO has spent the better part of this year working closely with the Trump administration’s DOGE project, overseeing cost-cutting measures across federal agencies. His public focus has shifted from Tesla’s innovation and product line to government efficiency and political debate—leaving investors and consumers uneasy. Even some of Tesla’s long-term investors have publicly urged Musk to step away from his political ventures and return to leading the company.
For global leaders like King Charles, aligning with a brand embroiled in political controversy is risky. The shift to Lotus could be as much about avoiding reputational damage as it is about performance or patriotism.
A symbolic choice for a new era
Ultimately, King Charles’s decision to choose a Wuhan-made EV over a Tesla marks more than just a personal preference—it’s a reflection of changing global dynamics. As traditional notions of “British-made” evolve and sustainability takes center stage, the monarchy is signaling its willingness to adapt.
It also underlines a key theme of Charles’s reign so far: quiet, considered transformation. Whether through environmental advocacy, streamlined monarchy, or now, vehicle choices, the king continues to steer the institution forward—electrically and metaphorically.
