Retails for $295.
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...270-40010.html

 

Okay that is a hell of a lot less then I thought. Maybe it is 2,000 is labor to swap it out. 😛

 

Not this one? I would've expected it to cost about this

https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...AALH16L-AWXGBA)

 

$2007.59 is closer to what I expected.

 

No, that's what powers the actual hybrid system that moves the vehicle.

 

I had never considered that there's two different ones for different voltages, but of course it absolutely makes sense. Still makes me wonder why older hybrids didn't have this problem.

 

I believe it is for increased fuel economy. Not enough for an individual to tell, but enough for the automaker, who is sweating tenths of MPGs. Just one of many strategies they employ to get better fuel economy .

I don't see any difference in gasoline fuel economy, but it definitely takes a bit more to charge via plug-in now, maybe 0.5 kwh or 3% more on average.

 

$218 for an OEM at a Lexus Parts Online Dealer. That was for a 2022-2024 RX450h+

 

I had posted this video earlier (6months - 1year ago) in this thread - where very detailed analysis of the DC-DC converter and 12 V charging system, that was done empirically by the presenter, in a highly technical and data-driven manner.

He showed, at the mark of 4:49 or mark in the video - the location of the the power-inverter and DC-DC converter in the engine bay - DC-DC converter is also physically integrated and underneath with the inverter assembly from the hybrid battery/charger that charges/power the motors of the hybrids. In other words, that entire assembly needs to be dealt with, for any replacement of the DC-DC converter, and you can form your own estimate of the labor charge involved.

 

The DC-DC converter is in the engine bay, integrated with the power-inverter, per Dr. Weber's demonstration (4 min 43 s mark):


The active cooling you are talking about is for the hybrid battery's cooling itself.

Edit: On some more searching - it seems the location of the DC-DC converter for the RX PHEV may have been "relocated" to under the back-seat, per this page. However, it appears unclear if that "relocation" has been just for the PHEV only, or for all hybrids (I didn't search for the NX either).

https://newsroom.lexus.eu/the-all-new-lexus-rx/

"The power control unit (PCU) is also new, designed to handle the higher output of the PHEV system while still supporting efficient fuel consumption. It is mounted in the same way as in the full hybrid electric system in the RX 350h, and is only slightly larger in size. It includes a boost converter, while the DC/DC converter is relocated beneath the rear seat."