Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Lexus Not in the Works – For Now
A hydrogen fuel cell-powered Lexus is still technically in the cards, but a few things will have to happen first.
The idea of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Lexus is certainly nothing one might call far-fetched, for a number of reasons. After all, the luxury brand has actually made such a thing before, at least in the form of concepts such as the LF-FC. Then there’s the fact that Toyota has been selling one for years – the Mirai – not to mention comments from new CEO Koji Sato regarding his belief that there is in fact a place for this type of powertrain in the automotive world’s quest to slash emissions. However, it doesn’t seem as if a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Lexus model is currently in development, in spite of all of this.
“We haven’t confirmed anything on the hydrogen front for Lexus, but I’d never say never,” Lexus Australia boss, John Pappas, told CarsGuide during the recent launch of the all-electric RZ in that country. “It would certainly fit in as one of our power sources,” he said, noting that it was a move in the right direction and that recent government initiatives had “even set money aside for hydrogen.”
These comments obviously shut down any notion that Lexus might be working on its own fuel cell vehicle right now, but they also leave open the possibility that we could see such a thing at some point in the future. It makes sense that Toyota doesn’t want to completely shut the door on this EV alternative, particularly as some automakers are looking at it as a way to power large, heavy vehicles that don’t make sense as all-electric vehicles, at least given the state of current battery technology.
For many, the idea of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Lexus makes too much sense not to happen, particularly since the LF-LC concept features a nearly identical architecture and powertrain layout when compared to the Mirai, albeit in a sportier package.
Many have long supported hydrogen as a suitable clean energy alternative as well, as these types of vehicles offer zero emissions combined with longer range and quicker refueling times when compared to EVs. The problem, however, is a complete lack of infrastructure outside of specific places like California, though Toyota believes that the high cost of expansion could be justified if companies invest in the commercial side of the equation first. Maybe if that happens, we’ll see a hydrogen-powered Lexus one day, after all.
Photos: Lexus
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