Lexus’ joined the EV craze with its UX300e

MANILA: Lexus has finally joined the EV race with its first battery-electric vehicle, the UX 300e, which the company debuted at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition which started last November 22 and will continue till December 1.

A few weeks ago, during the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus revealed its global electrification strategy they called “Lexus Electrified.” It promises not just green vehicles, but an integrated system of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes so that each EV will have superior performance, handling, and control to the enjoyment of the driver handling it and the comfort of the passenger. And after unveiling their game plan for approaching the EV path, Lexus introduces the UX300e.

The Lexus UX300e is a compact SUV that uses the design from the UX crossover and built on it. The high output 150kW electric motor is capable of delivering 201 hp of power and 300 Nm of peak torque. It sources power from a 54.3 kWh battery pack tucked underneath the floor of the cabin delivering a low center of gravity and 400 km-driving range.

The batteries are outfitted with a temperature management system and redundancy systems that monitor and regulate charging to prevent instances where the batteries might get compromised like overcharging or overheating. 

In terms of design, there are minor changes to the UX300e compared to the UX models. Specifically, a bespoke set of wheels and an aerodynamically optimized underbody. Inside, the UX300e utilizes a shift-by-wire system shifter design and four levels of brake regeneration that are controlled by paddle shifters.

What is more, the UX300e also comes with its own dedicated app so the owner can monitor battery levels, driving range, charge rates, and pre-program charging schedules via their smartphones. The app will also allow the owner to remotely control certain functionalities of the car for conveniences such as the A/C system, seat heaters, and window defrosters.

The first- generation EV from Lexus also adopts the Lexus Safety System+, the marketing brand for the suite of safety and driver-assist technology of Lexus. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, intelligent high beam, and high-speed dynamic radar cruise control.

The Lexus UX300e will be available in dealerships in China and Europe sometime in 2020 and in Japan during the first quarter of 2021.

Also read: Lexus LC500 Convertible unveiled in LA ahead of its 2021 release date