Lexus on Monday revealed a hybrid subcompact crossover for the European and Japanese markets—one which’s being marketed with the identical controversial “self-charging” language that the Toyota luxurious model has used for hybrids prior to now.
The 2024 Lexus LBX is the model’s smallest mannequin but. At 165 inches lengthy, it is a foot shorter than the Lexus UX. That diminutive dimension means the LBX is unlikely to achieve the U.S. It’s primarily based on the identical TNGA-B platform because the Toyota Yaris Cross, one other mannequin not bought within the U.S.
2024 Lexus LBX (Europe spec)
The sole obtainable powertrain combines a 1.5-liter inline-3 with a single electrical motor for a complete system output of 134 hp despatched to the entrance wheels. The press launch describes this powertrain as “a new-generation self-charging Lexus hybrid electric system.”
The “self-charging” time period has been utilized by Lexus in Europe and different markets as a option to pitch hybrids in opposition to EVs, the argument being that hybrids supply some extent of electrification with out the effort of plugging in. It’s additionally a recipe for confusion, a lot in order that it impressed a regulatory crackdown in Norway—one of many friendliest international locations for EVs.
Those regulators and shopper teams have seen the time period as complicated, because it implies that it costs the battery by another means like photo voltaic vitality, inductive charging, and many others., when it is merely operating the gasoline engine extra (and harnessing regen braking).
![2024 Lexus LBX (Europe spec) 2024 Lexus LBX (Europe spec)](https://i0.wp.com/images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2023-lexus-lbx-europe-spec_100887894_l.jpg?resize=640%2C372&ssl=1)
2024 Lexus LBX (Europe spec)
Prior to that, Lexus was utilizing the phrase “always charged,” which is far more simple. That was when Lexus was pitching its hybrids as alternate options to EVs.
Now that Lexus has a few of EVs of its personal—together with the UX 300e being bought alongside the LBX in Europe—in addition to the superb NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, “self-charging” is a complicated option to pitch a brand new hybrid mannequin. If nothing else, some would possibly confuse the LBX for an EV with automated charging—which is a unique factor.
There’s a number of automated charging for EVs at present in take a look at—this robotic EV charger in a Texas airport, for instance. Is that nearer to self-charging?
Source: www.greencarreports.com