Leveraging Lexus’ unique experience in building over 1.7 million electrified hybrids since 2005, the new UX 300e embodies the peerless quality and reliability that is a hallmark of the brand. Building on a world-class reputation for battery technology and durability, the first all-electric Lexus benefits in particular from the luxury carmaker’s leadership in battery management systems, power control units and electric motors. So, a 1 million kilometre battery warranty to heighten peace of mind amongst UX 300e customers will encourage more buyers globally to switch to an electric vehicle.
NEWLY DEVELOPED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
The UX 300e is powered by a newly developed 54.3 kilowatt-hour high-capacity battery which achieves 400 km of range in the NEDC cycle, corresponding to over 300 km target range in the WLTP cycle. Located under the cabin floor and rear seat to ensure a low centre of gravity, the 288-cell lithium-ion battery pack enables the space and practicality expected from an urban crossover.
Remember the Lexus CT200 hybrid? The Lexus CT200h was a 5-door hatchback that garnered a lot of interest in our market in January 2011 when it was launched from RM168,000 only (due to a favorable import tax for being a hybrid vehicle).
Look beneath the shell and you will find the exact precision engineering found in its sibling, the Toyota Prius.Like the Prius, the car starts initially using the battery only and there is an eerie silence for newbies to the hybrid world. Move along slowly and the Lexus CT200h will still run on battery mode and as the battery gets used up the engine starts up to keep its momentum.
As you drive like any normal car, which is the right way to drive this car, the engine will switch on and off alternating with the battery to get the best possible fuel mileage for you. Under hard acceleration both the petrol engine and battery pack will work together to provide near 2.4-liter engine performance (similar to the Camry 2.4 but in a lighter shell). Move in heavy traffic in the city and the battery works most of the time sipping negligible fuel as the petrol engine kicks in just to charge the battery when needed. This is where the real savings of the CT200h shows as Klang Valley city traffic is mostly done in creeping mode under battery power.
Well, there has not been a replacement for the CT200h in Malaysia and the nearest possible replacement will be this Lexus UX 300e which is the hybrid version of the recently launched Lexus UX Crossover with a petrol d riven 2.0L engine that was launched recently from RM243,888.
PRESS RELEASE:
MAXIMISING BATTERY LIFE AND DURABILITY
For increased control and battery life, sensors monitor the voltage of each battery cell and block, as well as the battery cell temperature. In tandem with the car’s advanced Battery Management System, this results in maximum usable battery cell capacity, and an extended driving range.
For the UX 300e, Lexus developed a battery cell air-cooling system which is safer and lighter than water-cooled systems. With cooled air circulating inside the battery pack, stable battery output can be attained even at high speed and during repeated rapid charging. Working hand in hand with the cabin air conditioning, the system enhances the car’s performance, battery life and charging performance.
Reliability was also to the fore in the development of the battery heating system. Heating elements under each battery module minimise the impact of cold weather on the driving range, ensuring full power is available from the start.
Finally, for a long, trouble-free service life, the battery pack is fitted with rubber seals to protect it from water and dust.
10-YEAR BATTERY WARRANTY
As a measure of the brand’s confidence in its all-electric vehicle technology, Lexus is offering a 10-year (or 1,000,000 km) service warranty on all functional defects of the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) main battery and capacity degradation below 70%, provided that the owner respects the regular health checks foreseen in the maintenance program. In addition to the battery warranty, the UX 300e owner will benefit from the 3-year vehicle warranty and 5-year cover (or 100,000 km) on drivetrain defects.
