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Lexus RZ 450e electric SUV debuts, as brand targets all BEVs in the US by 2030


Toyota has provided a first look at the first Lexus electric vehicle sold in the US – a crossover called the RZ, which leads a brand new vehicle “electrified Lexus” denoted by the letter Z.

The RZ’s debut, albeit in a camo suit to help conceal close-up details, is part of a larger overview of EV strategy. And as part of its push to accelerate electric vehicles, Toyota has announced that it is aiming to transform its luxury brand Lexus into a more EV-focused electric vehicle brand, transitioning entirely to electric vehicles. by batteries in the US, Europe and China by 2030.

Toyota and Lexus Annual EV Sales Targets for 2030 - December 2021

Toyota and Lexus Annual EV Sales Targets for 2030 – December 2021

Meanwhile, Toyota says that by 2030, battery electric vehicles and combined fuel cell models will account for only 15% of sales in the US. Globally, Toyota says it is targeting 3.5 million battery electric vehicles per year by 2030, and with the launch of 15 concepts, most of which are in production, it has promised “one electric cars for everyone”. Based on sales of around 7.6 million units globally in the most recent financial year, that’s almost half of current sales.

“In particular, we believe the Battery EV will become the future symbol of Lexus as the model that best represents the evolution of the brand,” said Koji Sato, president and brand director, Lexus International. of cars through electrification.

Prototype Lexus RZ

Prototype Lexus RZ

Lexus’ goal is remarkable on many levels — first because Toyota has avoided setting a retirement date for its vaunted internal combustion engine, or hybrid technology, and second, because of its “100% BEV” goal. ” excluding technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. So, after reports of fuel cell models in the works, Lexus may finally be closing in on the potential it teased in the LF-FC concept back in 2015.

Lexus has previously confirmed that the RZ will arrive in the US in 2022, possibly a 2023 model, as it is expected to be named the RZ 450e. That corresponds to the traditional way Lexus uses a lowercase “h” for hybrids.

Prototype Lexus RZ, with CEO Akio Toyoda

Prototype Lexus RZ, with CEO Akio Toyoda

Toyota provided little additional information about the Lexus RZ, other than making it clear that it will be fun to drive – with CEO Akio Toyoda raising Toyota’s standards for vehicle sportiness during his tenure. His smile as he drove it was talking.

In the US, Toyota executives have suggested that the future Toyota EVs will target affordability, not range, while Lexus models will aim for more range and more performance.

While the brand has yet to state which platform RZ uses, it is said to use the same e-TNGA platform as 2023 Toyota BZ4X and 2023 Subaru Solterra twin. That would make it roughly the same size as the current Lexus NX 200t.

Electric Lexus Sedan - Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Electric Lexus Sedan – Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Lexus RZ 2023 - Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Lexus RZ 2023 – Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Lexus Electrified SUV - Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Lexus Electrified SUV – Photo: Noriaki Mitsuhashi / N-Rak Photo Agency

Lexus seems to have moved some design elements from the LF-Z electrochemical concept was announced in March – most notably the rear pillars are painted black, but with a more upright and SUV-like stance in production form. The Lexus Electrified Sedan and the Lexus Electrified Sport, with the latter offering 0-62 mph acceleration in a low two seconds, a more than 435-mile range, and the ability to use a solid-state battery. As such, it has the potential to occupy a future space where the role of an exclusive, race-focused LFA supercar and today’s LC luxury coupe could be combined.

In a question-and-answer session after the presentation, Toyota said it still faces barriers to “consumer acceptability” for sustainable products, and that each region is becoming more diverse. about your vehicle needs. But with Lexus’ new commitment to electric vehicles – even for the US – the question now becomes: Will Toyota accelerate its electric vehicle plan for the United States?



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