SEA Electric and MEVCO sign MoU to electrify 8,500 Toyota models

A Toyota Hilux pickup, electrified by SEA Electric. Image: SEA Electric

SEA Electric has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MEVCO, a leading systems integrator providing end-to-end service including electric light commercial vehicles and associated infrastructure within the mining industry.

8,500 electrified Toyota Hilux and Landcrusier models will be manufactured for the mining industry, with MEVCO committing to a five year deal with SEA Electric, in a deal worth close to AU$1 billion.

Mining companies have long seen the benefits of battery electric vehicles; predominantly in the form of vastly lower operating costs and increased reliability. Many new mines are also adding renewable energy, like this 34MW solar farm designed to reduce Rio Tinto’s costs - and in a small part - its emissions.

The deal is based around SEA’s medium-voltage SEA-Drive power system, which is light, cost-effective and simple, thanks to its lack of a requirement for an active thermal management system.

Available in various mining-specific designs for 4×4 and 4×2 configurations, the vehicles can be specified with two SEA-Drive options - an 88kWh battery with a quoted 380km (236mi) of range, or a 60kWh battery delivering up to 260km (160mi) of range. The system offers fast DC charging, topping up the battery from 10-80% in less an 60 minutes.

SEA Electric’s Toyota Hilux specifications. Screenshot - mevco.com

According to MEVCO CEO Matt Cahir, “This is a pivotal partnership for the mining industry…It enables the world’s leading EV technology for heavy and light commercial trucks to be commercialized on a scale that makes sense for the bespoke needs of the mining sector. SEA Electric’s unique architecture is perfectly suited for the task, with the system’s high-torque characteristics ideally fit for purpose.”

This announcement represents a big step forward for SEA’s expansion into the commercial vehicle segment, and it will hopefully demonstrate the company has the ability to be a world leader in electrified vehicle platforms.

There’s a certain irony that a company like Toyota - well known for being a BEV laggard - is being dragged into zero-emissions vehicles by a third party manufacturer, but it speaks to the ruggedness and suitability of its vehicles for industrial applications; if only it and other Japanese manufacturers would take full-fleet electrification seriously.

Subaru USA announces 2023 Solterra electric SUV pricing

Subaru’s 2023 Solterra EV. Images: Subaru of America

• All-wheel drive as standard

• On sale in all 50-states

• Available in Premium, Limited and Touring trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $44,995

• Vehicle eligible for up to $7,500 federal tax credit

• Solterra reservation holders will receive a Charging Choice Offer

• 10-days of complimentary vehicle rental through Subaru Just Drive Program

Subaru of America, Inc. have announced the pricing for the 2023 Subaru Solterra. Underneath the bodywork, the Solterra is a twin of Toyota’s bZ4x, and will go on sale this coming summer.

Pricing begins at $44,995 MSRP for the Premium trim level, before a potential Federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The Limited trim starts from an MSRP of $48,495. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced from $51,995. The destination and delivery charge for the 2023 Solterra is $1,225.10.

Solterra comes standard with a new Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system (the same as in the top-specification Toyota bZ4x) that Subaru claims to provide outstanding traction and capability in all kinds of weather and terrain. The Solterra SUV delivers a total of 215 horsepower (160 kW) and 249 lb.-ft. (337Nm) of torque from front and rear electric motors.

According to Subaru, “Solterra’s high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack provides plenty of daily range”. The reality is not looking great however; with around 220 miles (354km) of EPA range, the Solterra charges its 71.4 kWh battery at a maximum rate of 100kW. These days, most mainstream EVs peak at 150kW as a bare minimum.

2023 Subaru Solterra Image Gallery

2023 Subaru Solterra trim levels

Solterra Premium
The Solterra Premium has a value driven starting price of $44,995 and comes with heated front seats and exterior mirrors; windshield wiper de-icer; 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired with 235/60 R18 tires; 7-inch LCD gauge display; Automatic Climate Control with S-FLOW; Rear Seat Reminder; and LED headlights (multi-beam low and single beam high).

The Premium trim comes standard with an all-new multimedia system featuring an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android™ Auto; AM/FM HD stereo; SiriusXM All-Access Radio (4-month audio trial subscription); integrated streaming (30-day free trial); and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio. A wireless charging phone dock for the center console is also available as an accessory.

The Premium also includes Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Camera Detection with Pedestrian Warning; and Parking Support Brake (PKSB) and Safe Exit Assist.

Power door locks, power exterior mirrors, and power windows with one-touch auto up/down are included. The vehicle charge port on the left front fender includes a power lock and automatic charging cable lock. The center console is equipped with five USB ports including a USB A input/charge port in the front, upper section; (dual) USB C charge ports in the front, lower section; (dual) USB C charge ports in the rear.

Solterra Limited
The Solterra Limited starts at $48,495 and includes all the standard equipment from the Premium and adds the all-new multimedia system featuring a 12.3-inch high-resolution horizontal touchscreen; smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android™ Auto; AM/FM HD stereo; SiriusXM All-Access Radio (4-month free subscription); integrated streaming (30-day free subscription); Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio; and available cloud-based navigation system (one-year free subscription). A wireless charging phone dock in the center console is also standard on Limited. There’s also a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor with Advanced Park auto parking system.

The Limited also adds comfort and convenience features including a 10-way power driver’s seat; heated rear seats (outboard positions); heated steering wheel; Harman Kardon premium audio system; LED fog lights; power rear door with automatic close and height memory; rain-sensing wiper system; and roof rails. The Limited comes standard with a roof spoiler (split) and 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels paired with 235/50R 20 all-season tires.

Solterra Touring
The Touring trim level, with a starting price of $51,995, includes all the standard equipment of the Limited, plus a digital rear-new mirror with view position adjustment and HomeLink®; ventilated front seats; panoramic moonroof with power sunshade; and front and rear LED footwell lighting. The Touring trim also has a two-tone exterior paint option.

Charging the Subaru Solterra with EVgo

SOA has partnered with EVgo to provide customers with access to a public charging network of more than 46,000 locations across the U.S. This includes access to 800+ public fast charging locations and 1,200+ Level 2 charging stalls across 35 states. EVgo is also powered by 100% renewable energy. Solterra reservation holders will receive a Charging Choice Offer in anticipation of their upcoming vehicle delivery. Subaru will also apparently provide an offer for reservation holders including a EVgo Charging Credit or money towards the purchase and installation of a Home Level 2 Charger by QMerit.

For potential customers Down Under, Subaru Australia accidentally published a line on its website last week stating that the new Solterra will be available in 2023. The company has refused to confirm this however. A 2023 launch seems plausible, and the Solterra is expected to go head-to-head with Skoda’s ENYAQ IV, the Volkswagen ID.4 and Toyota bZ4X.

[Updated] Lexus Australia confirms UX 300e electric SUV specifications ahead of November launch

Lexus’ UX 300e electric crossover is expected to reach Australia in November 2021. Images: Lexus Europe

[Updated 17/11/21] Lexus Australia has confirmed the UX300e will start from $74,000 MLP before on road costs. Lexus will continue to insist the UX300e receives an annual service, but this will be capped at $295 per year for the first five years.

Lexus Australia will also offer three years complimentary DC charging for customers at Chargefox stations, and will include a 7kW AC charger, along with the cost of installation.

In a media release that flew under the radar this month, Lexus Australia has confirmed that the UX 300e all-electric crossover will in fact make it to market before the end of 2021. The Lexus UX 300e (short for Urban Explorer according to the company) is the first Battery Electric Vehicle from the luxury brand that has become synonymous with hybrid petrol powertrains, and combines Lexus’ love-it-or-hate-it “L-finesse” design language with the company’s reputation for quality interiors and a zero-emissions drivetrain.

Drivetrain and Battery

Offering a 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, the UX 300e sports a WLTP rated range of 305km (Lexus Australia quotes the NEDC figure of 360km); somewhat limited against competitors from Kia, Hyundai, Tesla and Volvo. In European market guise at least, the UX 300e features a CHAdeMO plug for DC fast charging, and a Type 2 plug for AC charging. Lexus claims around 50 minutes will provide a 0-100 percent charge at a maximum rate of 50 kW.

The Nissan Leaf is the only passenger vehicle on the market in Australia that utilises a CHAdeMo connection as far as we are aware, and while most rapid charging stations still fit at least one connector, we feel the majority of manufacturers and charging companies are moving towards the CCS standard. Lexus Australia has yet to confirm if cars manufactured for Australia will continue with CHAdeMO or not.

With a respectable 150 kW and 300 Nm, the UX 300e cruises to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. Utilising a front drive/front motor combination, we expect similar levels of wheel-slip to Hyundai’s Kona or Kia’s Niro EV, but it won’t be anything that traction control can’t manage.

Comprising 288-cells mounted in the floor and under the rear seats, the UX 300e is air-cooled rather than liquid-cooled like BEVs from Tesla, Hyundai, Volvo and Polestar. While Lexus claims this saves complexity and weight, we’ve seen the air-cooled Nissan Leaf suffer considerable battery degradation over time when compared with liquid-cooled BEVs. For its part though, Lexus offers a 10-year 1 million km battery warranty overseas.

The UX 300e features 288 cells mounted in an air-cooled module system.

Lexus UX 300e Australian specifications

The UX300e will be offered in Australia in Luxury and Sport Luxury variants. In typical Lexus fashion, a high level of standard equipment is fitted, with acoustic glass, LED exterior lighting all round, smart entry and start with keycard, heated, ventilated seats with heated steering wheel, powered front seats, wireless charging and smartphone mirroring via Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Sport Luxury variant adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-beam LED headlights with dynamic levelling and adaptive cornering, a moonroof, head-up display and additional interior detailing. View the full inclusions list below:

LEXUS UX 300e Australian Pricing

The UX 300e has a starting price in the UK of £41,745 (approx. $77,264 AUD), and while a straight conversion is never accurate, we expect to see the Lexus slot into that $75,000-$80,000 price bracket to compete with the likes of Mercedes-Benz’s EQA at $76,800, and Volvo’s XC40 Recharge at $76,990. We’ll update this article once we hear more on pricing. Lexus Europe states that the battery is “Carefully sized for the real-world needs of urban customers in Europe” - time will tell if that resonates with buyers down under. What are your thoughts on the UX 300e? Let us know in the comments below!

Toyota reveals production bZ4X - the company's first purpose-built electric vehicle

• The bZ4X is the first model in Toyota’s bZ — Beyond Zero — sub-brand

• The e-TNGA dedicated EV architecture underpins the bZ4X

• A 71.4 kWh Lithium ion battery delivers a 450 km (280 mile) WLTP driving range

• The bZ4X will be able to replenish 80 percent battery capacity in 30 minutes thanks to 150 kW DC charging

• The single 150 kW front-motor front wheel drive setup produces 150 kW and 265 Nm; an all wheel drive variant will produce 162 kW and 336 Nm

• Toyota expects European deliveries to commence in Q1 2022

Here it is. The first all-electric vehicle from Toyota, the company that pioneered hybrid vehicle technology, yet also publicly spread anti-EV sentiments via corporate communications, and the company’s CEO.

But I digress.

The Toyota bZ4X is the company’s first real shot at producing a global battery electric vehicle on a new platform dubbed e-TNGA, which will also underpin future models from Subaru, Daihatsu and Suzuki. Subaru was also heavily involved in the all wheel drive development according to the media release.

Available in a single 71.4 kWh battery variant, customers will have a choice of a front wheel drive, front-mounted motor setup with 150 kW of power and 265 Nm or torque, or an all wheel drive variant producing 162 kW of power and 336 Nm of torque.

Toyota claims a maximum WLTP combined range of 450 km (280 miles); expect an EPA rating of around 10 percent less.

Toyota bZ4X Image Gallery

Toyota bZ4X exterior design

Two dimensional images never provide justice to a vehicle’s design, however the bZ4X — while certainly contemporary — somehow manages to be a little underwhelming on the outside in my view. There’s certainly a lot going on; a contrasting paint colour on the roof, and plenty of black plastic around the wheel arches, as well as some heavy surface sculpting all over (Chris Bangle eat your heart out). It is reminiscent of the chunky Polestar 2, without the elegance or purposefulness. There are some familiar Toyota design tropes, with the front end being particularly “on-brand”, and the rear design being reminiscent of other Toyota SUVs but overall, it isn’t a design that excites us.

Toyota bZ4X Interior features

Wait…what happened to the steering wheel? In a nod to Tesla’s Model S Plaid, it appears an aircraft-style yoke will be optionally available on the bZ4X, to complement a steer-by-wire system. Unlike Tesla, Toyota claims there will be no need for hand-over-hand turning, with full-lock achieved with a 150-degree turn of the wheel.

Toyota is taking inspiration for the interior design from the Scandinavians, stating that the Swedish word to express that something is “just right — “lagom” – forms the basis for the bZ4X’s cockpit design. The interior does seem to be a bit of a busy button-fest though, with the steering wheel covered in too many to count. Perhaps Toyota could have taken inspiration from the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, or even Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 when it comes to interior minimalism.

Toyota states that the long wheelbase provided by the e-TNGA platform allows for class leading legroom, as well as a one-metre distance between front and rear passenger hip points. Rear cargo capacity is a useful 452 litres, but no word on whether there is practical underfloor storage like in Tesla’s Model 3, or a frunk.

With the Lexus UX300e launching in Australia this month, its great to see Toyota Motor Corporation getting on the BEV bandwagon. While the Lexus is hampered by older battery technology without liquid cooling and slow charging, the 150 kW maximum speed of charging for the bZ4X should appeal to customers, replenishing 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

The bZ4X will make its European debut on December 2 ahead of Q1 2022 customer deliveries.

Subaru releases more images of its 2022 Solterra electric crossover

The Subaru Solterra was jointly developed with Toyota. Image: Subaru USA

Subaru teases its upcoming Solterra electric crossover, expected to hit the United States early in 2022, as a 2023 model. Jointly developed with Toyota on a shared modular electric-only platform, the Solterra has a striking resemblance to the BZ4X inside and out.

While we don’t have specifics on the drivetrain or battery, we can expect Subaru to have been heavily involved in the all-wheel-drive development, given its expertise in this area. Toyota likely brought its electric drivetrain experience to the table, and together, the two companies hope to minimize development costs, and bring a (relatively) affordable mass-market electric crossover to consumers.

Speaking of which, pricing for both vehicles is expected to start in the mid-to-high $30,000 range for US market vehicles, competing directly with the $39,995 VW ID.4.

The interior of the Subaru Solterra.

The design of the Solterra is — if we’re completely honest — a little underwhelming. As a child of the 1990s, I always used to covet the brand’s range of vehicles, from the quirky styling of various Imprezza WRX models, to the restrained-yet-handsome Liberty/Legacy. Subaru’s reputation for performance always added to the brand’s cache for aspiring drivers too.

Many would agree that in the last few years Subaru’s range of vehicles has been rather forgettable, or at best not particularly memorable. Both Toyota and Subaru are playing it safe with the BZ4X and Solterra from a design and technological standpoint. Don’t expect too many technological firsts as the Japanese auto giants navigate their way through the development of their first electric vehicle. Let's hope that Subaru at least can inject some dynamism into its first battery electric vehicle.

Toyota announced a technology deal with Warren Buffet-backed Chinese battery giant BYD back in 2020, however it remains a tightly held secret as to whether this was simply a research and development joint venture, or whether it will lead to BYD supplying its Blade Battery packs for use in the Solterra/BZ4X.

The Solterra will feature Subaru design cues to differentiate it from the BZ4X.

Daimler, Traton and Volvo jointly invest 500 million euros in heavy vehicle EV charging network

Daimler’s e-Actros battery-electric rigid frame truck. Image: Daimler

Three of Europe’s biggest truck manufacturers - Daimler Trucks, Traton and AB Volvo plan to invest 167 million euro each ($262 million AUD/$198 million USD) in a new joint venture business to develop a Europe-wide charging network for battery electric heavy vehicles.

The notion of electrified heavy vehicles scares many away from even discussing the transition away from polluting trucks; weight, cost, charging and range are all cited as insurmountable obstacles, and there aren’t many manufacturers with production-ready battery-electric models. Even Tesla’s much-lauded Tesla Semi is at least twelve months away.

This joint venture aims to address the issues of range anxiety and charging; according to Martin Daum, chief executive of Daimler Trucks, "The key ingredient in the future rolling-out of electric vehicles will be the infrastructure. It will be the big bottleneck"

The European Car Industry Association (ACEA) wants 50,000 heavy vehicle charge points across Europe by 2030, warning that a dense network of recharging sites in all EU member states is crucial to making road freight carbon neutral by 2050.

All three companies currently have electric trucks in development and are aiming for the joint venture company to be operational by 2022. The company will be headquartered in Amsterdam and lists an initial objective of installing 1,700 charging points within five years.

With time, it’s expected that other manufacturers will join the new joint venture. "In order to accelerate further, we need additional partners, additional networks, and public funds," AB Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt said. "We will continue to be very fierce competitors. But we need a new platform to compete upon."

The ACEA is also a proponent of hydrogen fuel cell-powered transport and is working to set a target of installing 300 hydrogen refueling stations in the EU by 2025. Daimler, Toyota, Volvo, and Hyunda are among legacy automakers investing in fuel cell technology, and Hyundai is currently operating Xcient hydrogen fuel cell rigid body trucks in Switzerland.

Source: Reuters

Daimler has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Fuso and Freightliner. Image: Daimler

Subaru announces the all electric Solterra SUV, on sale from 2022 in the Northern Hemisphere

Subaru’s Solterra will be available in the Northern Hemisphere in 2022. Images: Subaru USA

Subaru’s all-electric SUV will be named Solterra.

Subaru’s planned fully-electric SUV now has a name — Solterra — and it is based on a platform co-developed with Toyota. Subaru names the architecture the e-Subaru Global Platform, whereas over in Toyota City, it’s known as the e-TNGA platform and underpins the BZ4X Concept.

We know little of the technical specifications at this stage (much like the BZ4X), however Subaru and Toyota have confirmed both vehicles will be fitted with all wheel drive as standard.

The name Solterra was born from the latin words for “Sun” and “Earth” to represent Subaru’s commitment to “delivering traditional SUV capabilities in an environmentally responsible package”. The company has yet to comment on whether this means that the manufacturing process is carbon neutral, or that the car contains recycled/planet-friendly components.

Subaru promises to increase electrified model range

This is the first in a series of battery-electric models from the automaker, as Subaru targets an electric-ish future with plans for the early 2030s to “apply electrification technologies to all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide”. According to the fine print accompanying this statement, Subaru is referring to fully electric as well as petrol hybrid technologies.

Let’s hope the Solterra also represents a new design direction for the company; the last few years have — in our opinion — shown a decline in Subaru’s design direction, with a number of derivative, unremarkable vehicles coming out of their design studio. Hyundai has certainly laid out a challenge with the bold Ioniq 5, and Audi’s Q4 brings a sharp, contemporary style to the traditional SUV silhouette.

The Solterra is scheduled to go on sale in Northern Hemisphere markets initially, reaching Canada, the US, China, Japan and Europe sometime in 2022. The Driven has confirmed that Subaru Australia has no plans to release the Solterra in the short term.

Source: Subaru USA

Mazda MX-30 Electric now available for pre-order in Australia for $65,490

Mazda’s MX-30 Electric is an urban BEV. Images: Mazda Australia

If you’re after a fully electric vehicle with less space, less range, and fewer kilowatts than a Tesla Model 3 SR+ that costs more Money, the Mazda MX-30 Electric might be the vehicle for you.

Ok, that’s a bit harsh (though true), so let’s back up a bit. Mazda has long resisted electrification while other mass-market automakers from South East Asia like Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Toyota have embraced zero-emissions drivetrains (to varying degrees).

Mazda has opted for a small 35.5 kWh battery pack for the MX-30, with a 200 kilometre (125 mile) WLTP range. Mazda claims the impetus behind this decision was to provide a balance between driving range, which gives customers peace of mind, and CO2 emissions from an LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment) perspective.

A smaller battery is obviously better for the environment while keeping a vehicle’s weight down and theoretically minimising cost. We certainly believe that there will be a place for affordable, low-range EVs that are designed and used exclusively for urban commuting, but we can’t help but feel Mazda will have some stiff competition for the MX-30 Electric.

Rear doors are hidden by the low roofline and handle-less body panels.

So what does $65,490 get you? There’s an AC synchronous electric motor with 107 kW (145 PS) and 271 Nm (200 lb-ft), 50 kW DC charging with a 20-80 percent charge taking a claimed 36 minutes, and a 355 volt electrical architecture. 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.7 seconds. The MX-30 is lighter than some other small BEV crossovers but weighs in at 1,720 kg (3,790 pounds). Hyundai’s larger Kona electric is 1,685 kg (3,714 lb)

The interior contains many recycled materials, such as breathable fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, and cork fascia. Mazda’s usual refined, minimalistic design language is present in the interior, and the rear-hinged rear door is a nice touch, but the back seats appear to be a cramped place for anyone but small children.

The MX-30 will feature a solid standard equipment list in Australia, including:

• Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)

• 8.8-inch widescreen colour display (Mazda Connect)

• Apple® CarPlay and Android™ Auto

• Driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment (including lumbar adjustment) and 2-position memory

• Heated front seats

• Advanced keyless entry

• Advanced keyless push-button start

• 7-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display

• Glass sunroof with power tilt and slide

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

• Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)

• Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)

• Hill Launch Assist (HLA)

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

• Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)

• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

Mazda has used recycled plastics and cork in the minimalist cockpit.

Mazda’s approach of a small battery in a small crossover may be environmentally sound, but will it succeed in the Australian market? Tesla’s Model 3 SR+ starts at $62,900 in Australia, Hyundai’s Kona electric is available from $62,000, and Mini’s Electric — the only vehicle in Australia with a comparable range figure to the Mazda’s — starts from $54,800.

We’re looking forward to driving the MX-30 Electric to see if it does indeed make sense as an urban EV. The MX-30 Electric is available to pre-order from Mazda Australia now, with customer deliveries to commence in August 2021.

Lexus LF-Z Electrified EV is a preview of the brand's future direction

Visually Striking Lexus LF-Z Electrified is heavy on style, light on details

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified has been revealed in the form of concept renderings, and the Japanese automaker claims that we’ll see a production version around 2025. According to Lexus, the LF-Z features “ideal dynamic balance achieved through the optimal placement of the battery and electric motors, as well as, among others, a new four-wheel driving force control technology known as "DIRECT4" that generates a superior and highly flexible driving performance, setting the LF-Z Electrified apart from conventional vehicles.”

So far, that all sounds rather vague. While most major automakers have committed to decarbonising their product line-ups and reducing manufacturing and supply chain emissions, Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyota has recently criticised electric vehicles as overhyped, and stated that the transition to electrification is happening too quickly. While Toyota has been a pioneer in petrol-electric hybrid technology since the original Prius launched in 1997, the company has firmly refused to adapt to the current trend of electrification, and the LF-Z is the only sign that Lexus is serious about attaining market share in key European and American markets.

Exterior Design

The LF-Z Electrified retains some familiar Lexus design signatures; the aerodynamic ‘tick’ headlights, complex side-profile surfacing and cab-rear stance tie the LF-Z to the current model line up. The vehicle’s designers have added some pleasing new elements such as the swooping glasshouse, Aston Martin-esque wraparound rear with ducktail spoiler and vertical brake lights.

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified has a striking side profile.

The interior is bare, futuristic and laden with screens, and since it is just a concept at this stage, we can’t glean much about Lexus’ cabins of the future. The cockpit was designed based on the company’s concept of "Tazuna" ("tazuna" is Japanese for "rein"). and according to Lexus they were “inspired by the relationship between horse and rider, who communicate through a single rein, steering wheel-mounted switches and the vehicle's head-up display have been highly coordinated to create a space in which various functions, such as the navigation system, audio system, and driving mode selection, can be performed while concentrating on driving and without movement of the driver's line of sight or need to operate complicated switches.”

The interior of the Lexus LF-Z

The company has not hinted at any drivetrain or battery specifications, except to say that the LF-Z will be based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. Lexus aims to offer electric variants of all its models by 2025, with the sales ratio of electric vehicles exceeding that of gasoline-engine vehicles. Lexus hasn’t specified how many of these will be Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and how many will be fossil fuel free however. Given that the LF-Z is the company’s first fully electric vehicle, we don’t expect to see BEVs dominating the Lexus lineup within the next 5 years.

Source and Images: Toyota Motor Corporation