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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2022 and up NX hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the NX Hybrid models. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other 2nd generation NX models.
I've had my car now for about 4 weeks and really like it. It's the best Lexus I've had so far. Regarding charging the car, here is what I found:
1. Using my Lexus 6.6 Kilowatt On-board Charger with the Lexus charge cable plugged into a regular GFI socket in my garage worked fine but took about 11 hours to charge.
2. Using the same Lexus 6.6 Kilowatt On-board Charger with the Lexus charge cable with a 240V adapter (purchased from EV Doctor in Carlsbad, CA for about $70) worked great and only took 5 1/2 hours to charge. I had to have a 240V 50amp socket installed (about $500).
3. Using my Lexus 6.6 Kilowatt On-board Charger with a new Chargepoint Home Flex charger system (that includes a new, heavier cable) that mounts on the wall and plugs into a 240V 50 amp socket only takes 2 1/2 hours to charge. The Chargepoint charger costs $753 but is great quality and easy to install in minutes. Their app told me my charging cost me about $1.32 each time I charged my car (I signed up for the EV Charging Plan with SDG&E to get a $.10/kilowatt rate during 12 am and 6 am plus weekends and holidays).
The Lexus app under ECO History shows me getting 175 MPG right now which should increase depending on how much I can drive in EV mode.
Great car with a lot to learn...
Lexus app showing 175 MPG (should get better)
Chargepoint charge cable plugged in
Chargepoint system mounted on wall plugged into 240V socket
Last edited by twitte; 02-06-22 at 09:00 AM.
Reason: Made some corrections
Yes, the $1.32 per charge is per day to top off the battery after I have run it down. The battery really doesn't run all the way down, the car switches from EV mode to HV mode before it runs out. But it basically runs down to about the same amount each day. The key is to call your local gas and electric utility and ask them to put you on their EV charging plan so you get the lowest rate possible (not every area offers this). Then set the automatic charging time to charge automatically each day at the lowest rate time period (for me it is 12am to 6 am and weekends/holidays). I haven't used any public chargers yet but the company that I just purchased my Chargepoint system from has charging systems all over the US. Once you set up an account with them for your home charger (no cost) they set you up to use their public chargers (for a charge). I'm not sure what it costs. Right now all my charging is at home at night while I sleep. Both the car (Lexus app) and Chargepoint app allow you to set up automatic charging for the time you want it to turn on. The Lexus app allows you to turn on the charging at a specific time or tell it when you want the car charged by (end time).
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Very interesting to see the Toyota 120v wall charger can handle 240v adapter. My old Chevy charger for my Volt could do the same and made charging much quicker. 5 hours from empty to full is more than adequate for a PHEV.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work for my situation since my current garage doesn’t have a 240v outlet near the car but a nice “hack” for those that do.
Lexus has some FAQ's that they put out about charging the NX 450h+. See attached.
After my review of their FAQs this is a short summary of what I found and concluded: My goal was to be to be able to completely charge the car within the 6 hour window between 12am and 6am to get the best rate with my utility company (SDG&E at $.10/kilowatt). My setup using the Lexus 6.6 Kilowatt On-board Charger with the Lexus charger cable and the adapter from EVDoctor.net works fine. This is the less expensive solution. Plugging the Lexus charger cable into a 120V socket takes way too long to charge and isn't efficient. I looked at the Level 2 (240V) charging systems/cables Lexus suggested by Lectron, ChargePoint and Schumacher. I also looked at another popular one called JuiceBox. I think the best solution for me is the ChargePoint Home Flex 240V that comes with the plug I need (14-50) and costs $699 from ChargePoint. It is a Level 2 (240V) with variable amps (16-50), you just select the amperage you need. 3 year warranty, 24/7 support, Energy Star (so I can leave it plugged in), 23 foot cable. Here is a summary of the other guys: Lectron costs $373.99 (Best Buy has it for less but it is an older model). It has a 20 ft cable, 30 day warranty (yikes), 32A, J1772 connector (which we need) and 14-50R plug (which I need). Schumacher SC1455 has a 28 ft. cord and J1772 connector, 240V with a 120V adapter and is 16 amp (SLOW). Price is $212.10. Juice Box is $569 with a 3 year warranty and 20 ft. cable. Couldn't tell about their warranty. Has 14-50 plug I need. Since it is close in price to ChargePoint I went with ChargePoint which sounds much better. So there you have it. I went with ChargePoint just to keep my charge times down in the 2 hour range and know I'm getting a good quality product from a reputable company.
Last edited by twitte; 02-06-22 at 08:39 AM.
Reason: fixed some wording
I don't know if you want to do anything like this but check out EV Doctor (https://evdoctor4earth1.weebly.com ). They have a way of using two separate 120 volt circuits in your house to combine them into a 240 V charge. It's an interesting concept if it works.
I don't know if you want to do anything like this but check out EV Doctor (https://evdoctor4earth1.weebly.com ). They have a way of using two separate 120 volt circuits in your house to combine them into a 240 V charge. It's an interesting concept if it works.
Very interesting concept. If this works, don't need to invest in a level 2 charger for now. Don't know if it works or not. 🤔
I checked the Chargepoint app to see what the local charging stations are charging and it varies a lot. Some charge $1.50/hour, others like $3.30 for 2 hours plus $.25/kwh energy fee, $4.00/hour plus $2/hour parking fee. Looks like the best idea is to do your charging at home and save the money.
Also I posted some information under the California Clean Fuel Reward discussion. We get a $7,500 tax credit from the IRS for our cars plus maybe (Congress has not extended it yet) another credit of 30% of the cost for installing charging equipment (plus labor) in your home up to a total of $1,000 whichever is less. See my post in that discussion for IRS links.
1. Using the 6 kilowatt Lexus charge cable plugged into a regular GFI socket in my garage worked fine but took about 11 hours to charge.
Just so folks aren’t confused and to clear up any misinformation, on the 450h+ spec sheet the standard 3.3kw and optional 6.6kw charger refers to the vehicles internal charger. It does not refer to the included charging cable you plug into the outlet/vehicle. I believe it’s the same charging cable/part number regardless of whether you have the 3.3kw or 6.6kw charger built into the car.
The included charging cable is not fast enough to saturate either the 3.3kw or 6.6kw chargers and would charge the vehicle battery at the same rate. The benefit of the optional 6.6kw charger is when used on a higher speed Level 2 charging station you purchase separately or use in public charging stations. The 3.3kw charger takes about 5 hours whereas the 6.6 takes about 2.5 hours from empty to full.
I checked the Chargepoint app to see what the local charging stations are charging and it varies a lot. Some charge $1.50/hour, others like $3.30 for 2 hours plus $.25/kwh energy fee, $4.00/hour plus $2/hour parking fee. Looks like the best idea is to do your charging at home and save the money.
Also I posted some information under the California Clean Fuel Reward discussion. We get a $7,500 tax credit from the IRS for our cars plus maybe (Congress has not extended it yet) another credit of 30% of the cost for installing charging equipment (plus labor) in your home up to a total of $1,000 whichever is less. See my post in that discussion for IRS links.
Many places in NY and NJ are free, which really adds to the savings.
Governments get bulk discounts and the cost is not great to charge 2 or three stations, even if occupied 24 hours per day. I agree with you in the long run - but for now to help people move to a better more renewable friendly technology it is a good first step. Over time the direct consumer will need to pay for it, but it is an example of slowly moving the right direction, and everyone thinking of or driving a 450h+ should be aware of.
In fact I have started to change my behavior, shopping in malls that offer free charging for example. I didn't think I would have ever done that, but I have. In these cases the mall is paying for the electricity, they have decided if they provide free electric charging they will attract a certain customer, which in my case is working.
Governments get bulk discounts and the cost is not great to charge 2 or three stations, even if occupied 24 hours per day. I agree with you in the long run - but for now to help people move to a better more renewable friendly technology it is a good first step. Over time the direct consumer will need to pay for it, but it is an example of slowly moving the right direction, and everyone thinking of or driving a 450h+ should be aware of.
In fact I have started to change my behavior, shopping in malls that offer free charging for example. I didn't think I would have ever done that, but I have. In these cases the mall is paying for the electricity, they have decided if they provide free electric charging they will attract a certain customer, which in my case is working.
Basic tennent is and has always been is that whatever the Government subsidizes, they get more of it.
02-04-22, 02:18 PM
2022 NX 450h+ Charging findings
