That's exactly what I'm looking for. It looks like a regular Lexus, has the fit and finish and comforts of a regular Lexus. For me that would be the formula. Long range would be the icing on the cake

 

I'm not big on SUV's, but since this would be a direct replacement of my Sienna, an SUV would be the best option because it would be an acceptable replacement for my wife. If she's not happy, it ain't gonna happen. Yep, Go big or go home. That's what I believe as well

 

As apposed to internal combustion engines using aging technology from 1876.
Toyota has to focus on their bread and butter ICE vehicles, FCEVs, BEVs that will be using conventional batteries, AND SSBs.
Let me know when the Model Patent comes out.

 

I'm not sure the "ad nauseum" part extends to those actually doing the debating. There is a lot of talk on both sides of that issue for good reason.

 

Yep. If the Lexus version of the bZ4X is an NX450h+ in EV form (longer wheelbase, lower center of gravity), I would be trading my RX in so fast.

 

And here lies the problem. Even the mighty Porsche failed miserably to compete with Tesla.
Tesla has the most efficient drivetrains. The batteries in Porsches, Audis and especially Jaguars are far bigger (aka heavier) than Teslas yet get far less range.
Tesla Reduces Battery

My hope is, Lexus gets moving and focuses on delivering an advanced electric drivetrain. Right now, everyone is far behind the leader.
Sure, a fancy interior and Lexus quality fit and finish is nice, but they need to compete on a technology level.
That does not happen overnight.

 

I don't expect Toyota/Lexus to be the EV leader over-night. Rushed is only asking for disaster. The powertrain and motor have already been developed and used in their Hybrid's, the new Sienna is using an independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels in the AWD model. As far as building cars in general, Lexus already builds better ones than Porsche and Audi, IMHO of course. They are not as fast and as fancy, don't handle on the track or go around as fast, but they sure outlast them.

If it takes Lexus a few more years to get powertrains and batteries (as well as charging infrastructure) right, that's OK with me. Until then, there are other options out there, like the Ford Mach-E

 

Powertrains are more than fine. Batteries - we'll see soon enough, but given how well the gen3 plugin prius handled the heat with cabin air cooling, I'd say that they'll be just fine, assuming adequate cooling (ux300e separate AC for the battery) and capacity (less stress overall).

 

Do you prefer TMC take a short cut and get into EV's faster by refining aging 1991 Sony lithium ion technology?
Or do you prefer TMC and the likes of VW AG and Daimler AG take the "longer route" by developing solid state batteries to jump past Tesla?

 

Hmmm, that's a good one. They do need to get at least one full EV out there soon, so I don't foresee any issues using the older battery technology in the interim, they can transition later. That would probably give a reason to lease for the next couple of cycle refreshes instead of buy

 

Let me add on to what I said earlier. I think if Toyota/Lexus build a practical, comfortable and well refined EV (quality build inside and outside) with all the comforts and familiarity of their current products, and they can get at least 200 to 230 miles on a charge in their initial release (totally doable with even today's battery tech) then they are in good shape. The drivetrain and motors are already there, it's the software component that better be good. The reason is, the batteries will need to be properly managed, and that needs good software

 

No the electric motors are not there, at least in comparison to the leader. If it takes Lexus 5 to 10 years to get where the leader is now, where will the leader be?
The entry level Tesla Model 3 is rated at 263 miles of range. How many people will pay $60 large (or a lot more) for a Lexus that cannot keep up with an entry level Tesla?
Sure, some loyalists will. But with the cost to develop an EV, Lexus needs to hit a home run out of the gate.
You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression.

Some market analysts, in light of the lesser technology Porsche Audi and other car makers are delivering, think Tesla may become the battery and drivetrain supplier to companies like Lexus.
Who the heck knows? Gonna be interesting.

 

I both agree with you and disagree. Toyota/Lexus needs to get it right, the first time. A big YES they do. Tesla is way ahead, but they are still a niche product...although getting more mainstream day by day. Their minimalistic approach is appealing in some circles, and a non starter in others. My argument is Lexus doesn't need a model that competes speedwise with a Model 3. Who buys a Lexus to drive fast? Remember, the Lexus demographic is older. Much older than Tesla's. It does need range though. If it can't compete in driving range, than that will be an issue

 

I'm waiting (and waiting, and waiting) for a Lexus EV, before taking the plunge in transitioning to EV's, so, it's great to see articles and pictures showing some progress!

Tesla is a great, innovative/creative company, but, are in their infancy, and unable thus far, to compete with Lexus in terms of quality. I'm less concerned with fit and finish than I am with overall reliability. Since several in this thread have touted Tesla's reliability, I checked the Consumer Reports data and found Tesla's offerings still mostly average, to far below average. The low ratings are not just for trim, fit and finish either. They run the gamut...power equipment, in-car electronics, HVAC, suspension and drive system. Once one has experienced the solid reliability of Lexus, it would be hard to accept average and far below average reliability. I'll keep waiting!

 

Toyota promises SSBs by 2016, promised EVs by 2020. What we are seeing are stall tactics, failed ones at that people want EVs faster than they can be built.