STUNG by criticism over a perceived lack of commitment to battery electric vehicles, Toyota’s premium brand Lexus has hosted a “diversification” event in Japan for global media called the Lexus Showcase to demonstrate its direction in terms of powertrains that include hybrid petrol electric (HEV and PHEV), hydrogen and battery electric (BEV) across a range of different vehicles.

The manufacturer had a number of new energy prototypes on display including a fully electric sports coupe and what Lexus calls its ROV Concept hydrogen-powered off-road buggy.

Other prototypes on display with various powertrain technology included the hybrid petrol/electric and ICE powered TX large SUV, (not for Australia), the LM large people mover with similar powertrain choices due around the end of this year and the LBX small SUV, solely with hybrid electric powertrain due here by the middle of next year.

The ROV Concept (Recreational Off-road Vehicle) holds great interest as it is essentially a test ‘mule’ for other hydrogen powered vehicles and potentially offers the same or similar drive feel and ownership experience as a conventional ICE-powered vehicle that allows drivers to pump liquid hydrogen into the tank feeding a combustion engine and then drive away.

To push the vehicle’s development, Lexus launched a so-called customer experience program using selected “owners” aimed at determining the future practical application of the ROV Concept. Data collected from the program will inform future technological developments for practical applications.

The ROV has a compact body and “exceptional” off-road capabilities which Lexus says, “allows for an exhilarating driving experience and a chance to connect with the grandeur of nature”.

By using a hydrogen engine, the ROV aims for a balance between environmental consciousness with the thrill of feeling the “heartbeat” of an engine, says Lexus. The ROV utilises low environmental impact technologies in its components thanks to the co-operation of partner companies who, with Lexus, share the same vision.

For example, Yamaha makes the hydrogen engine jointly with Lexus/Toyota, KYB makes the shock absorbers with bio-degradable hydraulic fluid, and Toyoda Gosei makes the recycled resin guards and bonnet.

On the electric side of the diversification conversation, Lexus says it will provide new services and increase the “joy of driving” that will be carried forward with the battery EV and taken to an even higher level with electrification technology.

It says it will continue efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral society, centred around battery EVs aided by vehicles such as the Lexus Electrified Sport Concept (LESC) that will assist Lexus to drive the development of future electrification technologies such as all-embracing batteries, aerodynamics, weight reduction, and high rigidity.

The LESC, that was unveiled in 2021 as an exercise to “exploit the design freedoms (and) performance and handling potential provided by an all-electric drivetrain”, will make an appearance at this year’s Melbourne Cup providing an opportunity for car enthusiasts to gain a glimpse of the stunning, all-electric super-coupe.

None of this will come at the cost of driving enjoyment says the Japanese premium carmaker as it says for about 10 years it has been working on enhancing the basic performance and characteristics of its vehicles as well as refining the “taste” of the Lexus' driving signature.

“This driving experience will be carried forward with the battery EV and taken to an even higher level with our electrification technology,” the company said in a statement.

“The core technologies we have been working on include seamless drive force control with the Direct4 four-wheel drive system and the steer-by-wire system, which provides an intuitive, linear steering feel.

“We will continue to pursue a natural dialogue between driver and car that evokes the joy of driving. In addition, with the AE86 and the RZ Sports Concept which were unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon this January, we are rethinking new ways to inspire the love of driving and cars, even with battery EVs, as we work towards becoming carbon neutral.

In preparation for the full-fledged adoption of battery EVs in the future, the Lexus Electrified Program will deploy BEV concierges at dealerships (in Japan, possibly elsewhere) to assist customers with any problems they may have.

Lexus says it will also embark on a program to expand charging infrastructure.

Lexus will introduce a next-generation battery EV with a revolutionary modular vehicle body structure, a drastically changed production method, and a completely renewed software platform in 2026.