All-Electric UX 300e Probably Not Coming to America
Lexus may not be ready to sell Americans its first-ever EV just yet.
Let Down?
We knew as soon as we laid eyes on the Lexus LF-30 concept that it wasn't exactly what you'd call a production-ready vehicle. But only days later did Lexus unveil its first-ever EV, the UX 300e. It all happened at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China with a model that looks, well... just like a regular UX. The biggest problem is, there was zero mention of the UX 300e being sold in the U.S. during its unveiling.
Photos: Lexus
Between the Lines
Lexus was keen to announce that the UX 300e will go on sale in China in 2020 and Europe in 2021 when they shared details of the upcoming 'ute in Guangzhou. However and sadly, they made zero mention of the EV coming to the U.S. Thus, we don't know if they intend to eventually bring it here, or if they'll skip it and choose to offer us another EV instead.
Photos: Lexus
Curious Decision
We have to believe that if Lexus did intend to sell the UX 300e here in the states, they would have announced those intentions. Truthfully, the compact utility seems like it would be poised to sell quite well here in America, so long as it was priced right. So why wouldn't Lexus bring it to our shores?
Photos: Lexus
Lexus Electrified
After all, the UX 300e is the first production model to fall under the Lexus Electrified banner, which targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment. Lexus chose to keep the electrified UX's exterior design intact, instead, focusing on transforming the drivetrain into a purely electric vehicle.
Photos: Lexus
Blending In
In a world filled with interestingly designed EVs, that's certainly a bold move. But there are quite a few folks that avoid electric vehicles because of their audacious styling. Personally, we'd love to see more EVs like the UX 300e, because the electric variant looks just like the gasoline counterparts on the outside.
Photos: Lexus
Finding an Answer
Thus, we're left to dissect Lexus' decision to keep the UX 300e away from the U.S. The only real reason behind such a decision would be if the brand felt like the crossover's range, power output, or price wasn't quite up to par with the competition. But on paper, that certainly doesn't appear to be the case.
Photos: Lexus
Respectable Numbers
The UX 300e utilizes a single electric motor on the front axle that produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, which are certainly respectable numbers, though nothing earth-shattering. Packing a 54.3kWh battery, the electric UX packs 250 miles of range based on the NEDC testing cycle, which is also pretty much on par with the competition.
Photos: Lexus
Too Pricey?
Thus, we assume the decision to keep the UX 300e out of America boils down to price. Being Lexus' first EV means that it was likely expensive to develop. But until Lexus officially announces the crossover's actual price sometime in the near future, we can only speculate what the driving force behind these decisions might be.
Photos: Lexus
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