Overview
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 the following electric vehicles (EVs):
- All-electric Lexus UX 300e
- All-electric Lexus RZ
- Lexus NX plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
- Lexus RX plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Lexus remains committed to leveraging its pioneering work in hybrid technology to push further with the development of electric vehicles (EVs).
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Lexus NX PHEV SUV
The compact Lexus NX crossover SUV was introduced in 2014. Since its release, the SUV has sold well, to include becoming a best-selling SUV in Europe. The Lexus NX SUV is available as a ‘self-charging’ and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The PHEV was launched as part of the broader second-generation launch of the SUV in 2021. The Lexus NX PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the Japanese automotive manufacturer and shares the same powertrain as the RAV4 plug-in hybrid.
The Lexus PHEV has a respectable 18.1 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 40 miles (WLTP certified). This is certainly higher than the average PHEV (the average is closer to 25 miles). However, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather, road condition, wheel size etc.
Assuming a 34 mile emission-free electric range is more realistic, which will be sufficient for most commutes. The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the electric range.
Do keep in mind that driving on e-mode is much cheaper than calling on the internal combustion engine (ICE). Depending on where you charge the EV, pure electric driving will cost between 5 pence to 10 pence per mile. In fact, the more the EV is driven on the pure electric mode, the better is the overall fuel economy of the vehicle.
The manufacturer claims that the Lexus PHEV has a fuel economy up to 313.8 mpg. To achieve anywhere close to the claimed MPG, driving the plug-in electric car on EV mode will be imperative.
If most of your driving is on the motorway, with limited use of the onboard EV battery, then the fuel economy will be closer to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (44.1 mpg). Having said that, the Lexus NX PHEV can still be leveraged for shorter motorway travel. Of course, the NX 450+ EV also leverages the Lexus self-charging hybrid technology for better vehicle efficiency.
The NX plug-in has a 6.6 kW onboard charger. The EV battery can be fully charged in 2 hours 45 minutes using a 7 kW dedicated home EV charger. Yes a 3-PIN domestic socket can be used for charging the EV, however, we at e-zoomed discourage the use a domestic socket for charging an EV.
Also faster and safer to use a dedicated EV charger. For public charging, the EV will still continue to use AC charging, as the PHEV is not DC charging compatible. Most PHEVs do not offer DC charging compatibility.
The all-wheel drive NX PHEV pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine (4-cylinder) with an electric motor. The electric motor is placed at the rear of the electric vehicle (EV), enabling all-wheel drive (AWD). On EV mode, the e-SUV can achieve a top speed of 83 mph.
The NX 450+ plug-in SUV can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds (maximum power: 306 hp). The top speed on the EV is 124 mph. As is the case with electric vehicles, the NX PHEV benefits from instant torque.
When on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero, however, when using the internal combustion engine (ICE), the SUV has tailpipe emissions between 21 – 25g CO2/km, far lower, compared to the conventional combustion engine variant (147g CO2/km). Company-car drivers can take advantage of the reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-8%) tax charge for the EV.
The Lexus Safety System+ comes as standard. The higher trim levels offer: blind spot monitor (BSM), rear cross traffic alert and braking (RCTAB), adaptive variable suspension (AVS), smart entry and start system, 20″ alloy wheels, 14″ touchscreen display, sunroof and more. The PHEV uses the latest infotainment system from Lexus, a significant improvement compared to the previous generations.
The PHEV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Lexus high quality interior, specifications & improved infotainment system | Cheaper plug-in SUV alternatives available |
| Striking exterior styling and good build quality | Driving is comfortable but not exhilarating |
| Good zero-tailpipe emission range (40 miles) and fuel economy | Rear seats not as spacious |
Gallery
The Lexus NX PHEV SUV (credit: Lexus)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Petrol-Electric |
| Available In UK: | Yes |
| Variants (3 Options) |
|---|
| Lexus NX Premium Pack (from £50,950) |
| Lexus NX F Sport Premium Plus (from £58,200) |
| Lexus NX Takumi (from £59,700) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 18.1 kWh |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 6.6 kW (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 45 mins) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 21 – 25g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
| Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
| Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
| Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
| Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/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) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1660 |
| Width (mm): | 1865 |
| Length (mm): | 4660 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2690 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.4 |
| Boot Space (L): | 521 |
| NX 450h+ PHEV | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 18.1 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 40 miles |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Fuel Consumption (mpg): | 256.8 – 313.8 |
| Charging: | DC charging not available. Onboard charger 6.6 kW (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 45 mins) |
| Top Speed: | 124 mph (EV speed:83 mph) |
| 0-62 mph: | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (HP): | 306 |
| Torque (Nm): | 227 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 1,990 |
| Colours: | 9 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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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