Lexus to Debut All-Electric Concept Vehicle at Tokyo Motor Show

All-electric crossover concept will be a compact hatchback that hints at Lexus future. 

Lexus will unveiling an all-new all-electric (not hybrid) vehicle at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show running October 24 to November 4. While Lexus has done well with hybrid vehicles such as the UX, it will be interesting to see where they decide to go with a fully electric design.

There are not too many details on what the EV, but we know it is anticipated to take some cues from the 2015 LF-SA concept, pictured above. Speaking to Autocar, Lexus Vice President Koji Sato said of the LF-SA, “We feel that our future could resemble this design.”

The company has remained mum on when we can expect to see a Lexus EV in their lineup/ However, Sato told Autocar that the team knows that the vehicle must impress and excite the market. To that end, much research and development is going into the powertrain technology.

Lexus has said previously that they do intend to have an all-electric option for each of its models by 2025. They are also looking into in-wheel electric motors, a technology that Sato is definitely in favor of.

“We expect four wheels operating independently will offer greater agility, stability. and excitement,” said Sato. “We will continue to pursue this exciting opportunity.”

But no matter how modern the EV concept may be, it will not be losing its signature spindle grille.

“The spindle grille is also a representation of personality, and it’s the face of the car, so it’s really a necessary part of the brand identity,” says Lexus design boss Koichi Suga. “But because it’s an EV, [customers] are also going to expect something that’s futuristic, something more non-traditional.”

While the company is looking into alternative fuel solutions, they are galvanized by the success of all their cars, especially hybrids; and has no intention to change course.

“The hybrid technology is our core,” says Sato. “Our expertise in electrical control technology and battery technology can be used for other types of alternative powertrains, even fuel cells.”

So we anxiously look forward to what this new electric concept will be. It is an interesting opportunity to get a glimpse at the electrifying future.

Photos: Lexus; Club Lexus

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.