Lexus has been at the forefront of electrification ever since it introduced its hybrid RX 400h back in 2005, but surprisingly it has never produced a fully-electric vehicle. Now, the Japanese luxury brand has unveiled its first BEV, the UX 300e.
At the 2019 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, it showed off the new EV, which will be the first of the brand’s Lexus Electrified strategy, which is a compact SUV powered by a front-wheel 150kW motor and claims a driving range of around 250 miles.
Its battery, which is located underneath the cabin floor, is a 54.3kWh capacity lithium-ion unit, with a quick charge limit of 50kW. The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures. Reliability is further increased through the use of multiple monitoring systems to regulate charging and prevent issues such as overcharging.
Lexus has taken the experience and knowledge from producing hybrid vehicles over the years into this first full-electric foray and its engineers were able to leverage the qualities of the new electric drivetrain to further enhance the vehicle’s on-road performance. Lexus claims the efficiency of the motor, inverter, gears and high-capacity battery was maximized thanks to its hybrid experience.
The UX 300e also claims one of the quietest cabins in its class. The UX 300e adds insulation beyond just that for the battery, suppressing external noises such as wind or gravel that would otherwise be noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission.
Engineers also addressed the sound generated when the vehicle is driven. Active Sound Control (ASC) transmits natural, ambient sounds to communicate the driving conditions to the driver and passengers.
The UX 300e is scheduled to go on sale in China from 2020 and in the UK by 2021.
