The Lexus UX 300e will become the company's first fully electric car to go on sale in Ireland next year. It uses the same design as the existing hybrid version of the UX 250h and carries its battery within the floor of the car. That should mean no reduction in passenger space, and Lexus quotes a boot volume of 486 litres when filled to the roof.
A useful driving range and lengthy battery warranty
Powering the Lexus UX 300e is a 204hp electric motor with a torque output of 300Nm. A top speed of 160km/h and acceleration to 100km/h from rest in 7.5 seconds indicates that the Lexus will be reasonably sporty to drive. The 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery is newly developed and is said to provide a driving range of up 300 kilometres in WLTP conditions.
The UX 300e will feature a 6.6kW AC charger that will replenish the battery in around seven hours. It also gets a 50kW DC charger that will get the battery back to 80 per cent charge in approximately 50 minutes. To highlight its confidence in its move to fully electric vehicles, Lexus is offering a 10-year or 1,000,000 kilometre battery warranty.
Following the announcement, Ian Corbett, Head of Lexus Ireland, said: "We are delighted to announce the arrival of the UX300e - our first all-electric Lexus model. We've been able to build upon our experience in developing self-charging electrified vehicles since 2005 to launch a stunning all-electric crossover SUV for the premium segment. We look forward to providing customers with a new 100% electrified option in the Lexus range from 2021."
As yet, there is no confirmation of pricing for the Lexus UX 300e, but the car will be available from January 2021. Buyers that are interested in finding out more can register on the Lexus Ireland website to receive updates and pricing information as it becomes available.
Here's a list of all the electric vehicles currently on sale in Ireland.