Lexus RZ Radiant Heating System Is Truly Game-Changing

Innovative Feature

The Lexus RZ is already notable for being the automaker's first globally-available all-electric vehicle, but it's also chock full of nifty features that are also making their debut in the luxury brand's lineup. One of the coolest is what Lexus calls its Radiant Heating system, which is a truly unique way to make it more efficient - a big sticking point in the rapidly expanding world of EVs.

Photos: Lexus

Different Approach

In modern EVs, climate control systems are often among the biggest drains on the battery, while ICE vehicles are able to use engine heat to help warm the cabin. Many automakers have used heat pumps to help reduce this drain, along with features like preconditioning and even switching off heat and air to seats that aren't occupied. However, Lexus took a much different approach here.

Photos: Lexus

Different Approach

Instead, the Lexus Radiant Heat system works much like heated seats, albeit with elements located in the dashboard. Lexus placed those heating elements at knee level in the steering column panel and lower instrument panel, which use infrared radiation to keep people warm.

Photos: Lexus

Warm Blanket

As one might imagine, this means that the scope of what the Radiant Heating system heats, well, it's a bit limited - it's somewhat like having a warm blanket of air around your knees. However, it's also more efficient, using eight percent less power than traditional cabin heating methods.

Photos: Lexus

Working Together

Lexus does note that radiant heat is more effective at warming oneself up than traditional blowing air, however, and in the case of the RZ, it complements that system rather than trying to replace it. In this case, it works alongside Lexus Climate Concierge, which is able to adjust the HVAC system and heated seats/steering wheel automatically.

Photos: Lexus

Safety First

To ensure that they're also safe, Lexus engineered the radiant heat panels so that they automatically switch to 109 degrees Fahrenheit if someone comes into contact with them to prevent any sort of issue. 

Photos: Lexus

How to Get It

With many automakers exploring the idea of radiant heat in EVs, this type of feature figures to become more common moving forward, but it's notable that Lexus is among the first to offer it in a production vehicle. Those that are interested in buying an RZ equipped with it can do so by opting for the Luxury trim, where it's included as standard equipment, or choosing the Premium trim and paying an extra $175 to add it as an option.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus RZ right here at ClubLexus.com.

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