Toyota to unveil game-changing Lexus EV with 1,000 km range by 2026

Toyota unveiled a ground-breaking Lexus concept car with an impressive range of approximately 1,000 kilometres (620 miles), slated for release by 2026. This milestone represents a significant shift for the Japanese automaker toward electric vehicles (EVs) relying on cutting-edge battery technology. The LF-ZC concept car, showcased at the Japan Mobility Show, features prismatic, high-performance batteries that offer double the range of traditional EVs. Toyota's Chief Branding Officer, Simon Humphries, explained during a press briefing that these advancements were made possible through extensive parts reduction, resulting in smaller, more efficient batteries with increased power and range. In June, the world's leading automaker unveiled an ambitious strategy to embrace battery EVs, including the introduction of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with extended ranges and faster charging capabilities. Toyota also announced a significant breakthrough in addressing durability issues with solid-state batteries, a technology hailed as a potential game changer for its exceptional range and performance. The company aims to launch vehicles powered by solid-state batteries by 2027 or 2028. The LF-ZC, designed with a low-sitting profile, boasts a spacious cockpit and incorporates advanced AI technology named Butler. This intelligent system can discern driver preferences that the drivers themselves might not be aware of, according to Toyota. In line with its commitment to sustainability, Toyota has set a goal for battery EVs to constitute 100% of global sales for its luxury Lexus brand by 2035, emphasising the company's dedication to pioneering the future of automotive technology.