Lexus delays next-generation electric vehicles

Posted by Dylan Foos on December 3rd, 2024

NHK reports that Toyota Motor Corporation will delay the production schedule for its next-generation electric vehicles in an effort to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the new models. Japan’s biggest car manufacturer now aims to begin production of the next-generation Lexus EV (LF-ZC) in mid-2027, pushing back the original target of a 2026 launch.

Unveiled last year, the Lexus LF-ZC is a concept car previewing the brand’s future battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup. The name “LF-ZC” stands for “Lexus Future Zero-emission Concept” and it represents the brand’s vision of next-generation BEVs, emphasizing cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and innovative design.

Lexus LF-ZC

LF-ZC Key Features

    1. Design and Aerodynamics: The LF-ZC features a sleek, low-profile design with a focus on aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient (Cd) of approximately 0.2. Its “spindle body” design integrates functional elements like air intakes and outlets for optimized efficiency.

    2. Advanced Technology:

    • Equipped with the innovative Arene OS, which allows drivers to customize performance, handling, and sound settings.
    • Features Steer-by-Wire technology and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for continuous improvement.
    • Incorporates the AI-powered “Butler” system to personalize settings based on user habits and preferences.

    3. Performance:

    • Utilizes next-generation prismatic high-performance batteries, offering a range nearly double that of conventional BEVs.
    • Lightweight materials and a low battery placement improve handling and stability.

    4. Production Innovations:

    • Gigacasting is used for modular body construction, enhancing rigidity and allowing rapid integration of new technologies.
    • A self-driving assembly line reduces costs and enables flexible manufacturing.

Extended Lifecycles for Current Models as Lexus Waits for New BEVs

Toyota’s decision to delay production of its next-generation BEVs, including the Lexus LF-ZC, may create opportunities for certain models in its lineup to receive refreshes or updates to prolong their lifecycles. One such rumor has been from Mag-X indicating that the Lexus IS would receive yet another refresh for the 2026 model year.

The Lexus LS is already long in the tooth with minimal updates over its lifecycle, and we know the ES is preparing for the 8th generation of the midsize sedan. Can Lexus squeeze more life out of these sedans as next-generation BEVs are delayed?

Grappling with shifting consumer tastes and finite R&D resources, Toyota’s struggles with BEVs are not unique among manufacturers trying to balance current demand with future development opportunities. Even then, the state of Lexus’ aging sedan lineup with further delays for upcoming BEVs is concerning.

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CRSKTN

CRSKTN

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Sounds like my gut was right, they made some chemistry breakthrougs.
 
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Sulu

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Because this delay is only about one year (2026 to 2027) and because the originally-planned introduction date is just over a year away, there won't be any major updates to existing vehicles, like the IS and LS; these models will just live longer than originally planned and any updates will be extremely superficial, e.g. colour and feature availability.

Planning for product updates and then pushing these changes to the production line takes time.
 
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ssun30

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I don't think they made any chemistry breakthroughs but rather just re-scheduled their battery rollout plan.

In the original schedule they planned to introduce a high performance monopolar Li-ion battery in 2026 only to replace it with a bipolar design in 2027. It doesn't make much sense to have just one generation of top-end batteries that last 1 model year. Also Aisin's second generation eAxle was planned for 2025 but third generation comes in 2027.

So the original LF-ZC will come out in 2026 with a dedicated BEV platform (Gigacast), 1st generation high performance battery (monopolar), and 2nd generation eAxle. Now it will launch in 2027 with the BEV platform, 2nd generation bipolar battery, and 3rd generation eAxle.

Most EV manufacturers have to face the new reality: there likely won't be any generational leap in energy density and power density this decade and cost reduction has plateaued. The extreme pace of EV evolution in the past decade was mostly reaching for the low hanging fruit. People these days have an obsession with tech optimism and assume most engineering innovations could persist at current pace indefinitely. But they didn't know many fields of fundamental research have stagnated for decades (battery and magnetic materials are very good examples).
 
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Will1991

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I'm led to believe this is related to all that stuff we see in the Aisin future:

image.png


Things to improve efficiency here and there.
 
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