Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Lexus RZ 450e SUV
Lexus, renowned for the manufacture of luxury cars, is owned by the Japanese automotive behemoth, Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus was created in 1989 to compete against Japanese rivals, Honda Motor Company and Nissan Motor Company, who had established their premium brands, Acura and Infiniti, respectively. However, work on the Lexus concept commenced as early as 1983.
The Lexus brand is now a well recognised global automotive brand in the premium segment, with its luxury cars sold in more than 90 countries. The United States continues to be its largest market. Though Lexus is relatively late to the global electrification (EV) race, the company has been involved with hybrid technology since 2005, the year the hybrid version of the RX crossover made its debut.
The company has been a leader in ‘self-charging hybrid cars’. The company currently has 8 vehicles that use hybrid/ plug-in hybrid technology and has only one battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The company has the following plug-in electric vehicles (EVs):
The all-electric Lexus RZ luxury family SUV, is an important milestone for the premium Japanese automotive manufacturer. In fact, it is the flagship EV for Lexus. The e-SUV is its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) built on a dedicated EV platform. For those new to electric driving, a BEV is a pure electric car. Follow this link to learn about the different types of electric vehicles (EVs).
In general, electric cars built on a dedicated EV platform have a more compelling proposition, compared to EVs built on essentially a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) platform. Such electric cars have to accept compromises, like the interior layout, available cabin space, the placement and size of the onboard EV battery, overall practicality, performance, efficiency etc.
As an example, the all-electric Lexus UX 300e, the brand’s first production BEV, has been developed on the conventional GA-C platform and not a dedicated EV platform. The pure electric Lexus RZ uses the new e-TNGA platform. TNGA is an abbreviation for Toyota New Global Architecture.
The e-TNGA enables a lower centre of gravity and also incorporates the new DIRECT4 all-wheel drive control system. The e-TNGA is also used by its siblings, the all-electric Toyota bZ4X and the all-electric Subaru Solterra.
The all-electric Lexus RZ SUV incorporates a larger on board EV battery compared to the UX 300e. The RZ 450e has a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion EV battery, compared to a 54.3 kWh EV battery for the UX 300e. Lexus claims that the RZ EV battery will retain 90% of its capacity after 10 years. This capacity retention rate has been based on tests conducted by the manufacturer.
Of course, the larger onboard EV battery has resulted in a longer pure electric range for the RZ 450e. The manufacturer claims up to 439 km (WLTP). Though, a zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 439 km is useful, even if adjusted for real-world driving conditions, it is not class-leading. As an example, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon has a claimed range up to 729 km (WLTP). For the Lexus RZ, a 350 – 375 km electric range is more realistic.
Though the RZ EV incorporates DC charging up to 150 kW DC, once again, it is not class-leading. As an example, the pure electric Genesis GV60 offers up to 350 kW DC as standard. Having said that, in all probability you will be charging at speeds closer to 150 kW DC. Therefore, given the limited availability of 350 kW DC public charging points, and the size of the onboard EV battery, 150 kW DC works well! The EV can be charged up to 80% in 25 minutes.
Lexus offers a three-phase (11 kW) onboard AC charger as standard. However, as most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply (7 kW), taking advantage of the 3-phase onboard AC charger will be only for those with access to three-phase EV charging. At single-phase EV charging (7 kW) the EV battery can be fully charged in 10 hours and 15 minutes. At 11 kW AC EV charging, the EV battery can be fully charged in 8 hours.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated solar compatible EV charger, like myenergi zappi for charging at home. We also encourage installing an on-site PV and battery storage system, to leverage the benefits of electric driving: zero emissions and lower cost of motoring.
In terms of exterior styling, the family SUV does not disappoint. The e-SUV will appeal to those seeking a sportier styling. However, the sloping roofline does impact the rear-view visibility from the drivers seat. The EV is also available in a bi-tone colour scheme, further enhancing its sculpted exterior design.
The interior cabin and onboard technology is what you would expect from a premium automotive brand like Lexus. The interior materials and finish are to a high standard, but interestingly, the Lexus electric SUV does not have a glove box! This is not the first EV to ditch the glove box.
There is ample headroom and legroom for adults and the boot space is certainly practically (522 L). Despite the fact that the EV has been developed on a dedicated EV platform, it does not offer a frunk. A frunk, is usually helpful for storing an EV cable. Lexus does offer a dedicated space below the boot to store the EV cable.
Lexus offers a good level of safety technology and equipment as standard. Some of these include: Lexus Link Pro with 14” Touchscreen Multimedia (and 7″ multi-information display), Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, panoramic roof, reversing camera, E-latch and safe exit assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors intelligence clearance sonar (ICS), keyless entry and more.
The top of the line trims incorporate head up display, panoramic view monitor (PVM) and 64 colour ambient lighting. It is worth highlighting the E-Latch safety feature, which restricts the door opening operation if a pedestrian or cyclists is in the vehicle’s blind spot. Certainly useful for urban driving! The EV cockpit is inspired by the Japanese philosophy ‘small adjustments of the reins a rider uses to control the horse’!
The Lexus RZ is available as an all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard (front motor: 150 kW/ rear motor: 80 kW). The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds (maximum power: 313 hp/ torque: 435 Nm). The top speed of the EV is 160 km/h. The EV also incorporates a world’s first, the One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system. However, this is not available on current models.
Despite all that the Lexus electric SUV has to offer, it is competing in a fiercely challenging premium SUV segment, competing alongside other leading European and non-European premium automotive brands. For Lexus to truly succeed in this fast evolving electric driving segment, the manufacturer will need to have as part of its proposition, a few class-leading attributes. Let’s hope its next pure electric vehicle has a stronger EV proposition on offer.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Lexus high quality interior and specifications | Electric range not class-leading |
| Striking exterior styling and good build quality | DC charging limited to 150 kW DC |
| Good level of standard technology and equipment | Rear-view visibility limited |
Gallery
The All-Electric Lexus RZ 450e SUV (credit: Lexus)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | No |
| Variants (1 Option) |
|---|
| Lexus RZ 450e (from € N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 71.4 kWh |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80% SOC: 25 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 8 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1635 |
| Width (mm): | 1895 |
| Length (mm): | 4805 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2850 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.6 |
| Boot Space (L): | 522 |
| RZ 450 E | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 71.4 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 395 – 439 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 16.8 – 18.7 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80% SOC: 25 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0% – 100%: 8 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (hp): | 313 (230 kW) |
| Torque (Nm): | 435 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,055 |
| Colours: | 6 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Jargons
There is no doubt, in that, for those new to electric driving, the terminology can be both daunting and confusing. We have chosen a few jargons to help you get more familiar with electric vehicles (EVs)! We also recommend reading our article ‘Electric Car Jargon Buster‘ for a more comprehensive list of terms.
| Glossary: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
|---|---|
| Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV): | What is a BEV? A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is more commonly referred to as a pure electric car. A BEV is ‘pure’, in that, the vehicle only uses electric power for propulsion i.e. a BEV does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE). It is easy to recognise these zero-tailpipe emission green cars, as these vehicles are silent (except for the artificial noise), and do not have a tailpipe! |
| Frunk: | What is a frunk? Though a frunk is not a new term, its availability is becoming more widespread with the development of electric vehicles (EVs). A frunk is a storage space/ compartment/ trunk in the front of a vehicle, rather than the rear. In the case of pure electric cars, given that these vehicles do not have an onboard internal combustion engine (ICE), there is space for a frunk. It is worth noting that a frunk is usually much smaller than a trunk, and in EVs, a good space for storing the EV cable. |
| Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): | What is a MHEV? Mild hybrids use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor. These cars are also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’. The vehicle uses regenerative braking (recuperated electric energy) to improve the fuel efficiency and to reduce tailpipe emissions (CO2 g/km). However, mild hybrids cannot be charged by an external power source, like an EV charger. |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): | What is a PHEV? Like a MHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) aims to increase the fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. However there is much difference between a PHEV and a MHEV. A PHEV has a more powerful electric motor and a larger onboard EV battery. In a PHEV, the electric motor and onboard EV battery are also used to propel the electric vehicle. Moreover, a PHEV battery is charged by using an external power source, like a dedicated EV charger. |
| Regenerative Braking: | What is regenerative braking? Also known as regen braking or brake recuperation, regenerative braking is a process of capturing the wasted energy (during braking) from an electric vehicle, to be reused (recycled). In the case of electric driving, the ‘captured’ energy is reused to increase the pure electric range of the EV. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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