Scratch That 2018 Estimate, Lexus Looking to 2020 for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Offering

By adpock - November 18, 2016

A few months back, we reported about a rumored hydrogen-powered Lexus LS that would be rolling out by 2018. Well, it appears that information shall remain in the rumor category, because that’s not going to happen.

But worry not, eco-friendly Lexus lovers, for a hydrogen-powered Lexus is still being bandied about, although that timetable has been lengthened by a couple of years. And it may not be an LS after all.

That’s according to Auto Express, who recently spoke with Alain Uyttenhoven, Lexus Europe’s head honcho, about when and how Lexus would follow the lead of Toyota’s Mirai, the world’s first commercially produced fuel-cell car. Of course adapting that car to fit the Lexus brand means adding a whole lot more performance and luxury.

But apparently Lexus is close, just not 2018 close.

“The problem is packaging the technology into a normal sized car,” said Uyttenhoven. “It will fit into an SUV. We just need to get the right level of performance for a premium car.”

Currently, the Mirai produces 152 bhp, lollygags to 62 mph in 9.6 seconds, and climbs to a not-so staggering top speed of 111 mph. Those numbers aren’t quite befitting of a Lexus. Consider the RX 450h’s current stat line: 308 bhp, 7.7 second 0-62 mph time, and 124 mph top speed.

Still, Uyttenhoven believes the new hydrogen-powered Lexus will be ready to roll by 2020. Do you?