Lexus to release first plug-in hybrid with 2022 NX 450+ SUV

Lexus to release first plug-in hybrid with 2022 NX 450+ SUV

The SUV has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by a newly developed, lithium-ion battery.

Lexus announced it would release its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the NX 450h+, adding the 2022 Lexus NX family is “setting the stage for the next chapter of the Lexus brand.” For the second generation NX, Lexus has two electrified options: a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain on NX 350h and the first plug-in hybrid electric Lexus model, the first NX 450h+.

The NX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by a newly developed, lithium-ion battery. The system achieves the EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine for an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. When combined with the newly developed hybrid transaxle, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivers on the performance luxury guests are seeking with an estimated 6.0 second 0-60 time, the company says

Lexus says a high-output, high-efficiency system designed to reduce power loss when converting from AC power to DC power results in faster charging times. Using the maximum charging current of 240V, the Lexus NX plug-in hybrid electric can be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours when equipped with the optional 6.6 kW expedited onboard charger. With the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger, charge time goes up slightly to approximately 4.5 hours, the company says.

Lexus says the lower center of gravity and enhancements in vehicle dynamics combine for the increased performance of the 2.4L turbo on the NX 350. The new eight-speed transmission supports the luxury crossover’s 275 HP and 317 lb. ft. of torque. Combined, the NX is propelled a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds, over a half-second quicker than the earlier model, with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined.

Additionally, the first-ever NX 250 features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with start/stop functionality mated with an eight-speed transmission. This setup, available in both FWD and AWD options, has an EPA-estimated 28 combined MPG. The powerplant produces 203 HP and 184 lb. ft. of torque., resulting in 0-60 times of 8.2 seconds (FWD) and 8.6 seconds (AWD), while having an EPA-estimated 28 combined MPG.

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system on the new Lexus NX 350h pairs the D4-S fuel injection 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for strong acceleration and passing performance. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, the AWD system employs a second, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when it detects it is needed to help support traction.

The company says drivers will also notice the quicker 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, a full 1.5 seconds quicker than the previous generation hybrid. The updated hybrid powertrain produces 239 combined system horsepower, while sipping its way to a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds, 1.5 seconds faster than the prior generation with an impressive combined EPA-estimated 39 mpg.

You May Also Like

Yadea launches three new eBike models in the U.S.

Yadea debuted three new e-bike models to the U.S. market at this year’s CES in Las Vegas – Innovator, URider S and Trooper 01.

Yadea-e-bike-Trooper-1400

Yadea debuted three new e-bike models at this year's CES – Innovator, URider S and Trooper 01. Yadea says its proprietary "intelligent motor" comes with a maximum torque of 100Nm and a multi-sensor integrated algorithm that can accurately determine the rider's intention, with the torque sensor accuracy reaching 0.01Nm. With no internal connectors, the motor has the least number of parts in the industry, minimizing the possibility of interference while making it easier to repair and replace, the company says.

Goodyear debuts commercial EV tire for regional fleets

Goodyear said the RangeMax RSD EV is equipped to handle the higher load capacities of EVs.

Goodyear-EV-1400
Ford to double, triple production of some EVs

Ford plans to produce additional Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Maverick and E-Transit vehicles to meet customer demand.

Ford-Lightning-F150-Mustang-Boost-EV-Production-1400
Stellantis to make $155M EV investment in three Indiana plants

Optimized electric drive modules will help platforms achieve driving range up to 500 miles, Stellantis says.

Stellantis-Electrification-EV-1400
Ford wins USPS contract for 9,250 left-hand drive EVs

The USPS also awarded three suppliers contracts to purchase more than 14,000 EV charging stations.

USPS-EVs-1400

Other Posts

U.S. feds announce new EV charging network standards

The new standards will ensure everyone can use the network, no matter what car you drive or which state you charge in.

Federal-EV-Charging-Standards-1400
The Future of Motorcycling: ICE vs. EV

Does it really have to be a battle between these two bike powertrains?

ICE-vs-EVmotorcycles-1400
Sono Motors terminates Sion solar-powered car development

The company said termination of the Sion program reflects a decision to focus on a capital-light business model.

sono-motors-bosch-1400
Emotion is among the biggest motivators for EV buyers

Connecting with consumers’ emotions and personality is more likely to ignite interest in battery electric vehicles.

Emotion-EV-Buying-1400