At the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, the luxury mark of Toyota has displayed the LF-30 Electrified concept. The company has used its learning over several years in designing hybrid vehicles to develop several technologies like  battery management, power control modules, and electric motors. The company has honed these technologies to develop systems for the Lexus Electrified like integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes thus realizing the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in hybrid vehicles.

The car looks futuristic as it is the first in a series which will span the period up to 2030. Lexus is offering the car in both manual as well as autonomous control with colour in the front changing to show whether the car is being driven manually or in autonomous mode. Thanks to the hood-less design possible due to a Battery Electric platform, the Lexus spindle grille has been made even more dramatic releasing a lot of space inside. Further space is released by the use of drive by wire technology which does away with the steering gear linkages. Thanks to all the space released, the car is fitted with Airline First Class style seats. The luxury component is further enhanced by the Mark Levinson audio system.

The interior is inspired by the “Tazuna” concept of one leash controlling the horse. The steering wheel has all the controls for the car integrated in one place and a headup display replaces the dash. Thus allowing the driver to concentrate on enjoying the driving pleasure while controlling other systems. The car uses gesture control extensively to allow the driver to concentrate on the driving. It is able to distinguish between the voices of the various passengers and uses personalized information stored on the driver’s control key to serve as a partner. It facilitates the adjustment of elements of the interior environment, such as air temperature, audio, setting of navigation routes and destinations, while also making proposals for activities after arrival. The rear seats use artificial muscle technology to mold to their occupant, and can support various modes such as reclining, relaxation, and alert functions.

The LF-30 has four motors, one installed in the hub of each wheel. This allows independent control of the wheels and selection of front wheel, rear wheel or all wheel drive depending on the situation. As a next-generation BEV, LF-30 uses wireless charging technology to simplify daily charging, and AI-based energy management to enable optimal distribution of electric power to both the vehicle and the home, and charging control coordinated with the user’s daily schedule. The cars also understands driver’s preferences and helps them control the suspension and powertrain settings in real-time.

Keeping with its luxury car standards, the LF-30 Electrified is 5,090 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall. It has a wheel base of 3,200 mm and weighs in at 2,400 kgs. An onboard battery of 110 KW-H ensures a range of 500 km in one charge. The four electric motors produce a total power of 400 KW (544 PS) and 700 N-m of torque, sufficient to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. It can achieve a top speed of 200 km/h.

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