During my auto group luncheon, I learned and drove both Toyota and Lexus electrified vehicles.
This event was held at Hopstix restaurant, located in Chamblee, GA, highlighting the electrification strategy of both brands and spotlighting a couple of vehicles from each. (Check out these other vehicles I learned about while dining at Hopstix in the past.)
HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs, and FCEVs are coming soon to these two leading car brands, and I can't wait to test them out! Already, I reviewed Toyota Prius HEV not too long ago.
So, you may wonder what those electric vehicle terms mean?
Different Types of Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)- A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine system with an electric propulsion system.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)- A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle. Its battery pack can be recharged by plugging a charging cable into an external electric power source and internally by its onboard internal combustion engine-powered generator.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)- Battery Electric vehicles are powered solely by an electric battery, with no gas engine. Most BEVs are capable of fast charging and L2 charging with zero emissions.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV)- Fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by hydrogen. They are more efficient than conventional engine vehicles and produce no tailpipe emissions. They only emit water vapor and warm air.
Toyota was one of the first to change the game regarding electrified vehicles starting with Hybrid with some of the first Hybrid vehicle technology designed more than a century ago.
However, the technology didn't become mainstream until Toyota released the 1997 Prius - making it the modern world's first commercial Hybrid vehicle.
What is Toyota's Electrified Vehicle Lineup?
Toyota's electrified vehicle lineup is made up of Hybrids, plug-in Hybrids, fuel cell electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles. Toyota has 11 Hybrid vehicles, two plug-in Hybrid vehicles, one fuel cell electric vehicle, and one battery electric vehicle.
Hybrid Sedans
- Crown Hybrid MAX/Hybrid System
- Corolla Hybrid
- Camry Hybrid
- Prius
Hybrid SUVs and Vans
- RAV4 Hybrid
- Highlander Hybrid
- Venza
- Sienna
- Sequoia i-FORCE MAX
- Corolla Cross
Hybrid Trucks
- Tundra i-FORCE MAX
Plug-In Hybrids
- Prius Prime
- RAV4 Prime
Battery Electric
- bZ4X
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- Mirai
What is Lexus's Electrified Vehicle Lineup?
Lexus's electrified vehicle lineup is made up of Hybrids, plug-in Hybrids, and battery electric vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury Hybrid leader.
Hybrid Sedans and Coupes
- ES Hybrid
- LS Hybrid
- LC Hybrid
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid SUVs
- UX 250h
- NX 350h
- NX 450h+
- RX 350h
- RX 450h
- RX 450h+
- RX 500h F SPORT
Battery Electric
- RZ 450e
There were several Hybrid cars for us to ride in during the event, Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX, RAV4 Prime, Lexus ES 300h, and NX 450H+.
Since I was pressed for time, I drove around in only two vehicles, the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Lexus NX 450H+.
I was impressed by both how smooth and quiet the drive was. When I pressed the start button on both, I didn't realize the car started right up; I kept pressing the button. There is no rumble of the engine firing up like gas-powered cars.
The RAV4 Prime impressed me the most during my short time with it; it instantly made me feel comfortable as if the car was my own. (By the way, I own an older RAV4, so I may be biased)
The Lexus NX 450H+ was a bit of a learning curve, with the park and drive mode being a push of a button.
Also, I didn't like how the Lexus logo on the back trunk is now spelled out; it looks cheap to me. Bring back Lexus's original logo with the circle and L in the middle.
I glanced at the Tundra; boy, it looked like a monster of a trunk! You wouldn't think it could be a Hybrid!
What Makes Hybrids Better Than Gas-Powered Cars?
Since Hybrid vehicles partially use an electric motor, they burn less fuel. This means less gasoline, fewer emissions, and a better option for our planet.
Do Hybrids need Additional Maintenance?
Electrified vehicles require less routine maintenance. This is because there are fewer moving parts, and the built-in regenerative braking reduces brake wear and increases brake life.
For added peace of mind, Lexus and Toyota offer a 10-year/150,000-mile Hybrid battery warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile Hybrid system warranty.
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