Exploring Toyota’s first fully electric vehicle in South Africa

REMEMBER when Toyota was being criticised for not drinking all the electric car Kool Aid and sticking to their guns by continuing to focus on all forms of power including ICE, hybrid, plugin hybrid, electric and even hydrogen.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

THE Lexus RZ is built around a lithium-ion battery pack with two capacities depending on the derivative. | Supplied

(Supplied)

It seems the world’s largest manufacturer got it right with many competitors having considerably dialed down their fully electric expectations over the past few years.

Locally, Toyota has also taken a conservative view and it’s only now that they have released their first fully battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the form of the Lexus RZ.

The Lexus RZ is built around a lithium-ion battery pack with two capacities depending on the derivative.

The RZ 500e EX and the SE use a 74.6kWh battery, while the RZ 550e F Sport receives a slightly larger 76.9kWh unit. Both configurations use dual electric motors driving all four wheels through Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system.

Power output in the RZ 500e EX and the SE is rated at 280kW, while the RZ 550e F Sport increases output to 300kW.

A water-cooling system regulates battery temperature during sustained driving or rapid charging.

All models are equipped with a 22kW onboard charger. Under suitable DC fast charging conditions, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

Battery preconditioning prepares the battery for charging by adjusting its temperature in advance.

The RZ adopts Lexus’ spindle body design, adapted for an electric platform. The absence of a conventional engine allows different proportions, with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs.

The RZ 500e EX rides on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/60R18 tyres. The SE and F Sport models receive larger 20-inch staggered alloy wheels, with 235/50R20 tyres at the front and wider 255/45R20 tyres at the rear.

The RZ 550e F Sport adds aerodynamic elements, including functional air ducts, revised bumper mouldings and a rear spoiler designed to improve airflow management and stability.