Lexus used the 2023 Tokyo auto present to unveil an idea previewing its upcoming EV flagship.
Referred to as the Lexus LF-ZL (for “Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxurious”), the idea is an SUV measuring 208.6 inches lengthy—about eight inches longer than the present LX SUV and two inches longer than the LS flagship sedan—and primarily based on a devoted EV platform to be shared with different future Lexus EVs.
Exterior styling that seems to be an evolution of what Lexus dad or mum Toyota teased earlier this yr is underpinned by a construction created from three massive “gigacastings.” An engineering methodology advocated by Tesla, this replaces smaller welded elements with massive solid items, on this case forming the entrance, heart, and rear of the chassis. The aim is to simplify manufacturing and enhance structural rigidity, in keeping with Lexus.
![Lexus LF-ZL concept Lexus LF-ZL concept](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/lexus-lf-zl-concept_100903686_l.webp)
Lexus LF-ZL idea
The LF-ZL additionally options prismatic battery cells that shall be utilized in future Lexus manufacturing EVs. The cells supply increased power density than present cells, in addition to bodily dimensions that enable for thinner battery packs, Lexus claims. This offers designers better freedom, can doubtlessly enhance aerodynamics by permitting for sleeker shapes, and lowers the middle of gravity for improved dealing with, in keeping with the automaker.
Toyota in September introduced the rollout of recent battery tech beginning in 2026, in step with the deliberate launch of a lineup of next-generation EVs that ought to embody a manufacturing model of the LF-ZL. The timeline begins with liquid-electrolyte chemistries, with solid-state batteries to be launched beginning in 2027 or 2028.
The LF-ZL additionally options Toyota’s next-generation working system, dubbed Arene. It may possibly pull knowledge from onboard sensors and the encompassing surroundings, permitting the car to, for instance, generate instructions in response to queries about factors of curiosity. Press supplies additionally point out “utilization of huge knowledge” to handle the charging course of, hinting at some type of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connectivity.
![Lexus LF-ZL concept Lexus LF-ZL concept](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/lexus-lf-zl-concept_100903687_l.webp)
Lexus LF-ZL idea
Additionally unveiled on the Tokyo present was the Lexus LF-ZC idea, a modern hatch that Lexus mentioned will enter manufacturing in 2026, and sporting the steer-by-wire system the automaker has been working to excellent. Lexus did not talk about a particular timeline for the launch of the LF-ZL, nevertheless.
The following-generation EVs previewed by these two ideas appear like an enormous step ahead from the RZ crossover, the one Lexus EV at present bought within the U.S. primarily based on the Toyota BZ4X, the RZ solely achieves 220 miles of EPA vary, with some variations providing even much less. Lexus additionally sells an all-electric model of the smaller UX crossover in some markets exterior the U.S.
Lexus plans to quickly broaden its EV portfolio, although. The automaker has set a aim of promoting solely zero-emission autos—together with each battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell fashions—within the U.S., China, and Europe by 2030, and the remainder of the world by 2035. The brand new EVs heralded by the LF-ZL idea will play an enormous function in reaching that aim.