Lexus concepts preview transformation “into a battery EV brand”

At the Tokyo auto show in 2023, Lexus will present a number of concept cars that, according to the carmaker, would herald a shift towards EVs.

As of right now, Lexus will “debut its future-technology battery electric vehicle principle model lineup, with the purpose of transforming into a battery electric car brand by 2035,” according to a push launch from Lexus parent Toyota.

Lexus teaser for Tokyo auto show in 2023

The front end of what appears to be a sportier coupe or sedan, as well as the shapes of two crossovers on a display stand, are both plainly seen in the accompanying teaser images.

Lexus has previously hinted to electric sedan, sports car, and SUV concepts. The aptly called BEV Sport, BEV Sedan, and BEV SUV concepts were initially unveiled in December 2021 alongside a number of Toyota concepts. The following February, Lexus offered a slightly enhanced glance at same ideas, but with a few technical details.

Teaser for the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show from Lexus

The brand’s first electric vehicle (EV) for the American market is the crossover RZ 450e, which tests the waters but isn’t intended for the general market. With its standard 18-inch wheels, it has an EPA-rated range of 220 miles, but with the optional 20-inch wheels, that range drops to just 196 miles. It is reliant on the Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra twins.

Although it won’t be a very impressive start, Lexus has some new capabilities in the works that could help it catch up to other brands. Last year, the company told Environmentally Friendly Car Reports that progress had been made on an 800-volt system for possible EVs. With its RZ, Lexus has also hinted at a steering yoke that suggests it is technologically superior to Tesla’s yoke but has not yet been made available in the United States. Will one of its other EVs show off how the yoke is properly finished?