HOW HYBRIDS WORK

Power and Responsibility

At Lexus, we believe that power and efficiency can co-exist without compromise. That unrivaled driving joy goes hand-in-hand with environmental and social responsibility. As proof, we developed our advanced and sophisticated Hybrid powertrain - Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Starting From Stop

Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid Electrics are ready when you are, without ever needing to plug-in to recharge - simply press the power button and go. During initial take-off, the high-output battery and electric motor provide all the power you need - enhancing fuel efficiency while lowering CO₂ emissions.

Acceleration

As you accelerate and require more power, the gas engine is automatically engaged. The revolutionary Lexus Hybrid Drive optimizes power from both sources. Leveraging the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT), you’ll experience instantaneous response and powerful acceleration with a seamless transition between gas and electric motor.

Cruising

At cruising speeds, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) sends power to the drive wheels and an electric generator. Excess energy is used to help re-charge the hybrid battery, while the ideal combination of gas and electric power helps you get more out of every fill-up.

Regenerative Braking

Take your foot off the gas pedal, or press the brake pedal, and the regenerative braking system recovers some of the kinetic energy lost - conserving fuel and reducing emissions*. This energy is then converted to electricity that is then used to recharge the battery - so you never need to plug-in.

* Disclaimer: This is dependent on many operating conditions.

At A Stop

When you come to a stop, the gas engine may switch off, saving fuel and minimizing emissions*. If the hybrid battery is running low, the gas engine knows to start, generating the energy required to charge the battery. Press the accelerator, and the virtuous cycle begins anew.

* Disclaimer: The gas engine does not automatically switch off in all cases. It is dependent on many operating conditions.

LEXUS SELF-CHARGING MULTI-STAGE HYBRID ELECTRIC

A WORLD’S FIRST, LEXUS’ SELF-CHARGING MULTI-STAGE HYBRID ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY TAKES THE HYBRID EXPERIENCE TO AN EXHILARATING NEW LEVEL - CARRYING YOU FROM 0-100 KM/H IN 4.7 SECONDS OF PURE EXHILARATION.

 

That’s just the start. A finely tuned 4-speed gearbox, added to the existing eCVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission), creates a hybrid electric system that simulates a 10-speed transmission - the fiercely connected feel of selecting gears yourself using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

 

Available now on the Lexus LS 500h and LC 500h, the Self-Charging Multi-Stage Hybrid Electric is our latest innovation, and a taste of the dynamic innovations that are just down the road.

 

Lexus LC - The Hybrid Electric That Reads Minds

 

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