Lexus Teases New Modular EV Concept Ahead Oct Debut

It seems like Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has elected to use its luxury sub-brand Lexus to unveil the marque’s first of many next-gen EV models, which will use its new battery technology. Ahead of its debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023 (Tokyo Motor Show), Lexus has revealed a snippet of its latest EV concept model, showcasing a familiar design element.

Teased image of the upcoming Lexus modular EV concept

Said teaser image showcases the front part of the unnamed modular EV concept model, featuring the familiar L-shaped LED DRL signatures we saw in many Lexus models today. Aside from that, we also know that this EV concept will boast a sporty silhouette, as revealed by the prior teaser image published by the marque earlier this year.

Lexus Electric Coupe Concept (left) & Electrified Sedan Concept (right)

However, it remains unclear whether this EV concept has any ties to a slew of electric concept models previewed by Lexus earlier this year, which includes one sporty electric coupe and an equally-sporty four-door electric saloon. At one glance, you can see the sporty electric coupe sports similar L-shaped LED DRLs as seen on the unnamed modular EV concept, so we suspect they are somewhat related to each other.

Aside from harbouring Toyota’s next-gen battery technology, this modular EV concept will also underpin a new dedicated modular EV platform with three main pieces, which will be produced using new ‘Tesla-inspired’ giga casting process for better efficiency. Through this new process, Toyota claims this new battery tech costs up to 20% less to produce compared to the ones used on the bZ4X.

More details on this new battery tech, Toyota said the next-gen ‘Performance’ lithium-ion battery pack used on this new Lexus EV concept can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes, while garnering it with a maximum EV range of up to 800 KM. However, no details were shared regarding this new model’s powertrain setup.

Lexus RZ 450e EV SUV debuted in Thailand earlier this year

Aside from this EV concept, the RZ EV SUV stood as the marque’s latest electric model, which recently made its debut in Thailand earlier this year. For the Thai market, the RZ 450e EV SUV is powered by the DIRECT4 dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) setup with a total system output of 308 HP and 435 NM, enabling this EV SUV to cruise from nought to 100 KM/H in 5.3 seconds.

Prior to this Lexus EV concept teaser, Toyota has also revealed a new teaser regarding the production version of its bZ Compact SUV concept model. However, no specific launch dates were given or clued in said teaser video.

Set to make its debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023 later in Oct, this new Lexus EV concept will spearhead Toyota’s rapid electromobility push, where the marque plans to launch 10 new EV models by 2026, followed by an annual EV sales target of 1.5 million subsequently. Production of new EV models based on this modular concept is expected to commence later in 2026.