Electric Lexus UX 300e Is Already On Sale in China
It was mere months ago since we first saw the electric UX, but Lexus wasted no time bringing it to market.
Rushing to Market
After somewhat dismissing electric vehicles as "not ready" for prime time, Lexus is now seemingly rushing to get as many electric products to market as possible, while still cranking out hybrids as usual. Case in point - the UX 300e, which just debuted mere months ago, and is now already on sale in China.
Photos: Lexus
Shared Platform
Of course, it didn't take much for Lexus to convert the UX to electric power. The small crossover rides on the Toyota's New Global Architecture, just like the Toyota C-HR and Izoa. The C-HR went on sale just a week after the UX 300e, and the Izoa variant will be landing in Chinese dealerships soon as well.
Photos: Lexus
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Talking Specs
All three of these electric vehicles use the same 54.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, too. There are two trim levels available for the UX 300e, which are priced at 362,000 yuan ($51,100) and 385,000 yuan ($54,300). The electric UX has a range of 400 km (248 miles) on the NEDC cycle. The charging capacity is 6.6 kW for AC, with a 50 kW capacity for a DC quick charger.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the electric UX right here in Club Lexus.
Looks the Same
The most interesting thing about the 300e, however, might be its styling differences from the regular gas-powered UX. Or, rather, the lack thereof. While most electric vehicles opt for unique and sometimes futuristic looks, the UX EV can only be distinguished from its brethren by the "Electric" lettering and charging ports on the rear fenders.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the electric UX right here in Club Lexus.
Waiting Game
Though Lexus was quick to get the UX 300e in the hands of Chinese consumers, the rest of the world will have to wait a bit longer. It won't land in Europe until later this year, and won't go on sale in Japan until early 2021. As far as America, well, we already know that it likely won't be coming here, unfortunately.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the electric UX right here in Club Lexus.
Just the Beginning
This is just the beginning of the electric wave Toyota has planned for China, however. The automaker has previously stated that it will be launching 10 EVs in that country by 2025, though the next seven remain a mystery as of now.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the electric UX right here in Club Lexus.
Stay Tuned
It's likely that many, if not all of the forthcoming electric models are designed to appeal to younger buyers if the Toyota Rhombus EV concept from the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show is any indication. The automaker also announced a deal with battery-maker CATL last year and recently announced that it is launching a new EV company with BYD. We'll be curious to see if this leads to any more new Lexus EVs, and will be sure to bring you more as soon as anything is announced.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the electric UX right here in Club Lexus.
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