Lexus to Debut First Production Electric Vehicle Next Month

Posted by Kevin on October 23rd, 2019

Coming on the heels of the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept is news that the brand will reveal its first production Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) next month.

Rumors point to a BEV version of the UX crossover — the UX 300e nameplate has been trademarked, and reports out of Japan claim production will start in 2020. A likely location for this debut is either the Guangzhou Motor Show or LA Auto Show.

Speaking with Reuters, Lexus president Yoshihiro Sawa confirmed that the model would be available in “China, North America, and other regions where demand for ‘pure’ EVs is high.”

Lexus also shared some details on their strategy moving forward, with plans to launch a plug-in hybrid and new dedicated BEV platform early in the coming decade.

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CRSKTN

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internalaudit said:
www.greencarreports.com

Lexus confirms first electric car for November intro, plug-in hybrid soon after

Lexus is soon revealing its first electric car, expected to be a boxy compact designed to focus in on Europe and Japan.
www.greencarreports.com www.greencarreports.com


Lexus has confirmed today, in an announcement corresponding with the Tokyo auto show, that it will introduce its first production-bound electric car very soon—in November 2019.

Although Lexus said little more about that actual EV, it’s suspected to be what Lexus chief Koji Sato had previously described as a “tall, boxy hatchback.”

That could refer to the long-awaited possibility of a fully electric UX crossover. In a further hint that it’s more of an urban-oriented model like the UX, Lexus says that the new EV will be “broadening its response to the needs of various regions around the world.”
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I'm guessing just a press release in November? Or are there any events/motor shows?
 
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CRSKTN said:
I'm guessing just a press release in November? Or are there any events/motor shows?
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Guangzhou Motor Show in November maybe? That's where they will officially launch the C-HR EV with full specs and pricing Info.

This segment (subcompact SUV with 400km-class range) seems to be the sweet spot and a fighting ground for any new comer. Audi and Mazda just embarrassed themselves by using puny batteries with insufficient range. Nissan Ariya, Honda X-NV, and Toyota C-HR EV look pretty close. I'd say Hyundai still has the strongest offering with the Kona/Encino EV with its slight range advantage (it did just blow up a house not long ago though)
 
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CRSKTN said:
I'm guessing just a press release in November? Or are there any events/motor shows?
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ssun30 said:
Guangzhou Motor Show in November maybe? That's where they will officially launch the C-HR EV with full specs and pricing Info.
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Both Guangzhou and Los Angeles auto shows are in November. So either (or both) are possibilities. I'm leaning Guangzhou, though, for a couple of reasons. First, there is still no U.S. trademark for UX 300e, and this passage from the Lexus Global Newsroom LF-30 Electrified concept press release:

To advance this goal, Lexus plans to unveil its first BEV in November 2019―broadening our response to the needs of various regions around the world, including the development of HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs.
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probably hints more at Chinese rules and initiatives than U.S. zero emissions initiatives now in a state of flux.
 
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19-10-23-lexus-battery-electric.jpg

Coming on the heels of the Lexus LF-30 Electrified concept is news that the brand will reveal its first production Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) next month.
Rumors point to a BEV version of the UX crossover — the UX 300e nameplate has been trademarked, and reports out of Japan claim production will start in 2020. A likely location for this debut is either the Guangzhou Motor Show or LA Auto Show.
Speaking with Reuters, Lexus...
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19-10-30-lexus-ux-ev-crossover.jpg

Lexus has confirmed to Carsales Australia that their first pure-electric vehicle will be based on a current model, clearing the way for the much-rumored UX EV crossover.
Lexus Australia CEO Scott Thomson was cagey on details, but did reveal that a more complete timeline will be announced in November:

“In November, Lexus will announce the rollout plans and clear model delineation,” said Thompson when probed on details of the surprise new Lexus EV.
“But we can’t give any more specifics. They want to make the big announcement in November and [you’ll get] some timing around PHEV as well,” he said, confirming reports that Lexus will have its first plug-in hybrid vehicle online as soon as 2021.
“You’ll get a good...
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krew said:
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That last sentence is the most interesting. 2022 is when they launch their second BEV. What could it be? LS? IS? Or that rumored FWD HS successor designed for ChDM?

2022 will also see the first E-TNGA vehicle go into production in ChDM. However I doubt Lexus will get its first E-TNGA in the same year given the 'Toyota first' theme.
 
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I wonder if companies offering up solid EV platforms will also result in a rebirth of the coachbuilding industry.
The idea of a company offering you it's platform + a premade body, or you can go to a coachbuilder for something more unique at a cost, would be interesting.
 
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Will1991 said:
Well... It's already the 7th... We're still waiting Lexus : )
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We'll be waiting til month-end, probably. LA Autoshow runs Nov 22 to Dec 1, and I can't think of another larger venue in November for an announcement like this, but i'm no expert.

EDIT:
www.autoblog.com

2021 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid revealed ahead of LA Show - Autoblog

2021 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid compact crossover revealed ahead of LA Auto Show official debut.
www.autoblog.com www.autoblog.com

Toyota RAV4 PHEV, so some info is starting to drip out ahead of the show.
 
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I know the Rivian pickup's and SUV's interior and exterior don't look as nice as a Lexus (or even some Toyota's for the matter) and even the Honda E looks cuter but I only found out while watching this video that both will come with four motors and 6:30-7 mins into the video, Rivian representative talks about the appeal of the electric torque vectoring and also negative torque.

So if Rivian can offer these vehicles for around $70k USD, why can't Lexus provide a three motor BEV for a little less? Rivian touts itself as the first mass market BEV maker offering four electric motors. :)

 
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North America likely after China and Europe.


The Japanese press release adds that Lexus' approach to electrification will be very selective:

"Starting with this model, we will expand the lineup of electric vehicles at the right place according to the needs of various parts of the world and the infrastructure environment, mainly in China and Europe."
 
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19-11-11-lexus-electric-vehicle-china.jpg

Lexus will debut their first electric vehicle at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China. From the press release:

Specifically crafted to suit the needs of audiences in China and Europe, this further advances the brand’s desire to offer a portfolio of electrified powertrain choices for diverse audiences worldwide.

Using the teaser image above as a guide, it appears an electrified version of the UX crossover is on the way — as a comparison:
19-11-11-lexus-ux-hybrid-badge.jpg

It appears the new electric vehicle will initially be limited to the Chinese & European market — most telling is that the Lexus USA pressroom has no mention of the upcoming debut. This runs counter to a recent quote from Lexus president Yoshihiro Sawa saying the model would be available in...
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As a 30 year Lexus employee and an EV enthusiast I’ve been wAiting for a Lexus EV for 10 plus years. Very hopeful at first when I saw the press release and this story , but now....... looks like China and Europe only and if it’s a UX very limited battery capacity , I would guess 33 to 40 kWh Max and Front wheel drive.🙄
I hope I am wrong. Here is the thing isn’t there already a Toyota CHR electric sold in China ? And if Lexus goes through all the trouble to build an electric UX why not offer it in the USA.
 
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