Lexus New Zealand has today launched its first EV into the New Zealand market – significantly also the first time its parent brand Toyota has entered the space as well.
And it is doing so in a few interesting ways, with a price for the new UX300e that pitches the luxury competitor at more mainstream offerings and an even less expensive version for fleets that retail customers can’t buy.
And in one further move that could be seen as ‘disruptive’, it is dropping the standard charging lead included with virtually all new electric vehicles. The first 100 customers can choose between a free one or ChargeNet credit, but after that it may only be an option. For those that fit a Wallbox to their garage that could be seen as an admirable way to cut e-waste, for others it could be seen as cheap.
At $79,990 inclusive of on road costs, the UX300e Limited undercuts other luxury EV options such as the Mercedes-Benz EQA and matches the entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5. It also undercuts some specification levels of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro. Of key competitors the Tesla Model 3 is the only one with a significant price advantage, though that is for the UX300e Limited – it is unclear how much the entry level version costs.
That car will be only supplied to fleet customers – and keep in mind Toyota is very experienced in that market – on an operating lease. The intention is they will then be sold into the public market as used vehicles.
The brand hopes half of the expected volume of 250 units will be transacted that way. So far there is an order pipeline of 90 vehicles on their way.
Lexus general manager Andrew Davis hopes for a positive response from government and fleet for the car, though acknowledges it may not be the right image for some to be seen in a luxury model.
“Hopefully, positively, because it is a new channel for Lexus to operate in. It won’t be the EV for everyone from a government point of view.”
But the vehicle will have broad appeal they believe.
“It is attracting a conquest customer base for us,” Davis says. “If you are considering EVs and in that price bracket you have consider UX300e.”
“We wanted to get in the clean car rebate zone, it opens up some possibilities.”
So what are they considering? The UX300e is largely unchanged from the hybrid models that have proved popular since launched around two years go.
The fleet grade is distinguished by 17-inch alloys to the 18-inch units on the higher-spec Limited.
The entry-level gets two NuLux synthetic leather options – White Ash and Black. While the Limited grade has leather options of Rich Cream, Ochre, and Zephyr Blue – all three are accented with Sashiko quilting on the front seats.
Both variants also have front and rear seat heaters and front seat ventilation. The air conditioning system can also be set to optimise efficiency while the front seat heating is on, improving power conservation.
The UX 300e has a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system coupled with a 10.3-inch display and Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Further standard safety features include the complete Lexus Safety System +, blind spot monitor, parking support brake and a tyre pressure warning system.
The Limited comes with roof rails, rear privacy glass, sunroof, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, rear stabiliser bar and a head-up display. It also gets triple LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, and a hands-free power back door.
The drivetrain consists of a 150kW/300Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, with three drive modes selectable. The 53kWh battery is temperature controlled. NEDC range – TNZ does not have a WLTP rating for the car – is 340km, it can sprint to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a limited 160km top speed.
Where the vehicle lacks is in its charging capability. The UX worldwide features DC charging only by ChaDeMo port – there is an AC charging type-2 port on the other side of the vehicle.
While ChaDeMo can be implemented up to 62.5kW, the UX is restricted to 50kW, giving it a 0-80% time of around 80 minutes. The EQA meanwhile will charge at up to 100kW and the Ioniq 5 at far higher depending on the model.
ChaDeMo itself presents a different issue in congestion. While ChargeNet’s current units can charge one car at a time, their new hypercharger installations favour CCS over ChaDeMo two-to-one. The UX will then be competing for spots with the huge fleet of Nissan Leafs.
The AC charging is also limited at 6.6kW. Lexus representatives noted this was fine for single-phase systems fitted in homes, though it does overlook – and fail to take advantage of – destination chargers and public infrastructure. For their part though they say they will continue to ask for 11kW charging as upgrades are rolled out.
With the UX launched online due to COVID restrictions, we are yet to drive the car. But, we are one of the first to get it, so expect a review here in the very near future.
