Lexus, one of the first major OEMs to feature hybrid powertrain technology, has seen its position been overtaken by rivals as electrification has accelerated throughout the industry. Now, Lexus is getting back on track and has revealed an electric concept vehicle and its vision on what it will achieve with plug-in power.
The LF-Z Electrified concept features future technology initiative the brands aims to realize by 2025. This includes a dedicated EV platform with optimal placement of the battery and electric motor, as well as a new all-wheel drive technology.
The battery is placed longitudinally beneath the floor of the cars’ spindle-shaped body to offer a rigid vehicle structure while lowering the car’s center of gravity and helps absorb noise and vibrations from the road surface.
Its all-wheel-drive system allows for free, independent control of the high-torque motor’s drive force to all four wheels. It will adapt to provide front, rear or all-wheel drive as appropriate to any driving situation, which is said to enhance acceleration and cornering performance.
The specification of the LF-Z Electrified was revealed as having a 600km range provided by a liquid-cooled 90kWh lithium-ion battery, 0-100km/h in three seconds, and able to take a 150kW charge.
Lexus has revealed that by 2025 it will introduce 20 new or upgraded models, including more than 10 battery electric (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEVs) and self-charging hybrid electric (HEVs) to meet the needs of different countries and regions around the world.
Lexus intends to offer electrified versions of all its models by 2025, by when it also expects electrified vehicles to account for more than half its global sales. It further aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire lifecycle of all its models by 2050, including in materials manufacturing, parts and vehicle logistics and disposal and recycling.
