Lexus is primarily known for premium vehicles that host either conventional or hybrid powertrains. With its parent company Toyota revealing an ambitious strategy for zero emissions mobility, the luxury carmaker could be looking at an all-electric future.
Toyota president Akio Toyoda leads the unveiling of future EVs for both Toyota and Lexus [Image: Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency]
During Toyota’s recent media briefing in Tokyo, company president Akio Toyoda announced that Lexus will have a full range of electric vehicles (EVs) in all segments by 2030. These are expected to account for 100 percent of its sales in Europe, North America, and China, adding up to 1 million units worldwide out of an expected 3.5 million EVs sold annually by that time.
Five years later, in 2035, Lexus vehicles sold across the globe will comprise exclusively of EVs.
The RZ represents the first dedicated EV line in the Lexus range [Image: Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency]
The torchbearer representing Toyota’s luxury division for this task is the RZ 450e compact crossover. While the smaller UX 300e subcompact SUV is technically the first-ever fully electrified Lexus, sold in Japan, China, and Europe, the RZ is the very first that is unrelated to any combustion model, making it a true dedicated battery EV.
Another model that Lexus has in the cards is a next-generation electric sports car, which Toyoda described as possessing the trademark Lexus driving taste or secret sauce, derived using performance data garnered from the development of the iconic LFA.
“Acceleration time will be in the low two-second range, cruising range over 700 kilometers, and with the possible use of solid-state batteries in mind, we will aim to create a truly high-performance battery EV,” promised Lexus International President & Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato.
Could this be the spiritual successor of the Lexus LFA? [Image: Noriaki Mitsuhashi/N-RAK Photo Agency]
Joining the initial Lexus EV assault are a four-seater electric convertible and a wagon-based model. Toyoda adds that the driving taste will be extended to other Lexus offerings in the pipeline, as the brand evolves into an EV-centric marque.
The luxury carmaker currently has over 30 models spanning combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains in more than 90 countries and regions. Meanwhile, Toyota offers more than 100 vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in over 170 markets worldwide.
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