The new all-electric Lexus RZ 450e is the first model to be developed by the company as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) from the outset. With it, the intention is not simply to deliver zero emission, all-electric driving, but to re-invent the BEV driving experience. To achieve this, the car has undergone extensive track testing and refinement at the Shimoyama Centre in Japan, a venue that is soon to be Lexus’ new global headquarters.
The RZ is not a vehicle that simply adopts battery electric power in lieu of a conventional engine; it adapts exciting new technologies to enhance performance and driving pleasure, true to the Lexus Electrified philosophy.
Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe said: “The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch and is exhilarating to drive.
“Our vision is to use electrification technology as a means to enhance fundamental vehicle performance, so that we can continue to pursue driving pleasure for all future generations.”
About the RZ
First and foremost, the RZ retains all the finer qualities of performance and craftsmanship associated with the brand. The company has leveraged its experience of vehicle electrification to deliver the benefits of a BEV with the essential refinement and driving experience unique to its brand.
The RZ also marks the first application of Lexus’ new e-Axles – compact motor units used front and rear that work in conjunction with new DIRECT4 all-wheel drive electronic torque control. High-quality handling, excellent body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and a long wheelbase as well as responsiveness are granted with this dedicated new electric vehicle platform. A powerful lithium-ion battery is fully integrated in the chassis.
The platform and battery electric drivetrain open up new freedoms in design. The exterior re-interprets the signature Lexus spindle shape in the vehicle’s body, while the interior is a light and open space that is both simple and luxurious, expressing Lexus Omotenashi hospitality and Takumi craftsmanship.
With its zero-emission performance, the RZ will help Lexus in its progress towards carbon neutrality and a sustainable mobility society. Here, the focus is not just on the car’s performance on the road; but to consider its entire lifecycle, from parts procurement, manufacturing and ownership through to eventual disposal. Already, new methods have been adopted at Lexus’ Motomachi factory, the RZ production centre, to reduce emissions. Looking beyond its market introduction, the RZ is set to offer an enhanced driving experience with an optional by-wire steering system. Lexus’ new One Motion Grip, currently under development, will provide easier and even more precise steering without sacrificing feedback from the road surface.
Efficient and compact electric e-Axle
The RZ is the first production model to feature Lexus’ new e-Axle, designed for use in BEVs. This is a compact, modular package which consists of a motor, gearing and a PCU (Power Control Unit), located between the driven wheels. The RZ uses both front and rear e-Axles, which work in conjunction with the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive control system to adjust the vehicle’s posture, traction and power distribution, according to the driving conditions.
The front motor produces 150 kW and the rear 80 kW, together delivering 230 kW maximum output. The RZ achieves excellent energy efficiency, with consumption rated at 16.8 kWh or 18.7 kWh per 100 km in the combined Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, depending on wheel size and car specifications. Their compact dimensions – short front e-Axle and low rear e-Axle – contribute to the car’s packaging, helping gain more room in the cabin and a low load compartment floor.
Lithium-ion battery
The battery stack is positioned entirely beneath the cabin floor and forms a structural part of the vehicle’s frame. This contributes to the vehicle’s rigidity and its low centre of gravity, while the unit’s slim profile also means there is no intrusion in cabin or load compartment space. The battery is contained in a sealed, reinforced structure to protect it in the event of contact with the road surface or a collision. The unit comprises 96 cells with a gross capacity of 71.4 kWh. Quality, durability and reliability are reflected in Lexus guaranteeing that the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity after 10 years.
Lexus is confident however, given its long experience in battery technologies, that actual capacity at the point should be at least 90%. Most RZ variants – running on 20-inch wheels – achieve a range of around 395 km in the WLTP combined cycle test. Those which use 18-inch wheels see the range extended by about 40 km. These ranges apply to performance from full charge to complete depletion of the battery.
The Lexus RZ will be available on sale in South Africa in 2024. Exact timing will be confirmed as the year progresses.
Globally and by 2030, the brand plans to achieve a full line-up of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in all categories, and by 2035, aims to sell 100% BEVs globally, contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society.
