The Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid (SUV): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Lexus NX PHEV SUV

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Lexus, renowned for the manufacture of luxury cars, is owned by the Japanese automotive behemoth, Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus was created in 1989 to compete against Japanese rivals, Honda Motor Company and Nissan Motor Company, who had established their premium brands, Acura and Infiniti, respectively. However, work on the Lexus concept commenced as early as 1983.

The Lexus brand is now a well recognised global automotive brand in the premium segment, with its luxury cars sold in more than 90 countries. The United States continues to be its largest market. Though Lexus is relatively late to the global electrification (EV) race, the company has been involved with hybrid technology since 2005, the year the hybrid version of the RX crossover made its debut. The company has been a leader in ‘self-charging hybrid cars’. The company has the following electric vehicles (EVs):

• All-electric Lexus UX 300e (BEV)
• All-electric Lexus RZ 450e (BEV)
• Lexus NX plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
• Lexus RX plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

The compact Lexus NX crossover SUV was introduced in 2014. Since its release, the SUV has sold well, to include becoming a best-selling SUV in Europe. The Lexus NX SUV is available as a ‘self-charging’ and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The PHEV was launched as part of the broader second-generation launch of the SUV in 2021. The Lexus NX PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle from the Japanese automotive manufacturer and shares the same powertrain as the RAV4 plug-in hybrid.

The Lexus PHEV has a respectable 18.1 kWh onboard EV battery, with a claimed zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 64 km (WLTP certified). This is certainly higher than the average PHEV (the average is closer to 40 km). However, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, speed, passenger load, weather, road condition, wheel size etc. Assuming a 50 km emission-free electric range is more realistic, which will be sufficient for most commutes. The EV also has regenerative braking to increase the electric range.

Do keep in mind that driving on e-mode is much cheaper than calling on the internal combustion engine (ICE). In fact, the more the EV is driven on the pure electric mode, the better is the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. The manufacturer claims that the Lexus PHEV has a fuel economy up to 1.0 l/100km. To achieve anywhere close to the claimed fuel economy, driving the plug-in electric car on EV mode will be imperative.

If most of your driving is on the motorway, with limited use of the onboard EV battery, then the fuel economy will be closer to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant. Having said that, the Lexus NX PHEV can still be leveraged for shorter motorway travel. Of course, the NX 450+ EV also leverages the Lexus self-charging hybrid technology for better vehicle efficiency.

The NX plug-in has a 6.6 kW onboard charger. The EV battery can be fully charged in 2 hours 45 minutes using a 7 kW dedicated home EV charger. Yes a 3-PIN domestic socket can be used for charging the EV, however, we at e-zoomed discourage the use a domestic socket for charging an EV. Also faster and safer to use a dedicated EV charger. For public charging, the EV will still continue to use AC charging, as the PHEV is not DC charging compatible. Most PHEVs do not offer DC charging compatibility.

The all-wheel drive NX PHEV pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine (4-cylinder) with an electric motor. The electric motor is placed at the rear of the electric vehicle (EV), enabling all-wheel drive (AWD). On EV mode, the e-SUV can achieve a top speed of 134 km/h. The NX 450+ plug-in SUV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (maximum power: 306 hp). The top speed on the EV is 200 km/h. As is the case with electric vehicles, the NX PHEV benefits from instant torque.

When on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero, however, when using the internal combustion engine (ICE), the SUV has tailpipe emissions between 21 – 25g CO2/km, far lower, compared to the conventional combustion engine variant (147g CO2/km).

The Lexus Safety System+ comes as standard. The higher trim levels offer: blind spot monitor (BSM), rear cross traffic alert and braking (RCTAB), adaptive variable suspension (AVS), smart entry and start system, 20″ alloy wheels, 14″ touchscreen display, sunroof and more. The PHEV uses the latest infotainment system from Lexus, a significant improvement compared to the previous generations.

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! Though Lexus does not sell the NX PHEV in India, it does sell self-charging NX vehicles.

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PROS	CONS
Lexus high quality interior, specifications & improved infotainment system	Cheaper plug-in SUV alternatives available
Striking exterior styling and good build quality	Driving is comfortable but not exhilarating
Good zero-tailpipe emission range (40 miles) and fuel economy	Rear seats not as spacious

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The Lexus NX PHEV SUV (credit: Lexus)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (1 Option)
Lexus NX PHEV (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 18.1 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 6.6 kW (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 45 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	21 – 25g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1660
Width (mm):	1865
Length (mm):	4660
Wheelbase (mm):	2690
Turning Circle (m):	N/A
Boot Space (L):	521

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NX 450h+ PHEV
EV Battery Capacity:	18.1 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	64 km
Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km):	N/A
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.0 – 1.1
Charging:	DC charging not available. Onboard charger 6.6 kW (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 45 mins)
Top Speed:	200 km/h (EV speed: 134 km/h)
0-100 km/h:	6.3 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Max Power (HP):	306
Torque (Nm):	227
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Weight (kg):	1,990
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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What Is A Heat Pump In Electric Cars?

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EV Heat Pump: The Basics
What is a heat pump in electric cars?	In conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), petrol and diesel vehicles, the energy (waste heat) generated from the engine (powertrain), is captured to re-use for heating the interior cabin of the vehicle. However, in pure electric cars, the heat generated (waste heat) from the electric drive (electric motor, inverter, on-board AC charger) and the onboard high-voltage EV battery is not as much, as the heat generated in conventional cars, and cannot be re-used on its own to provide sufficient cabin heating (electric cars are more efficient than petrol/ diesel cars). Therefore in EVs, the sources for capturing heat, also includes the outside air i.e. it is a multi-source heat pump system. This captured heat is re-used for the onboard EV battery management and also for heating the cabin interior, increasing the electric car efficiency and reducing the need to draw energy from the onboard EV battery. In general, a lithium-ion EV battery is less energy efficient during colder months (similar to the laptop or smartphone battery).
How does a heat pump increase electric range in colder winter months?	Electric cars that do not incorporate an onboard heat pump, rely on the energy of the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin of the electric car, further impacting the available e-range. In contrast, EVs with a heat pump, do not rely on the onboard EV battery to heat the cabin. Instead, the heat pump sources heat from multiple sources and releases energy-efficient heating into the cabin. Put another way, an electric car with a heat pump does not place any demand on the onboard EV battery for heating the interior cabin. There is ample real-world evidence to prove that electric cars with a heat pump offer longer electric range in winter months, compared to electric cars that do not incorporate a heat pump. The average improvement in range is between 10% to 20%.
How does a heat pump work in an electric car?	Step 1: naturally heated antifreeze is channelled into the heat pump evaporator, where the heat is transferred to the coolant circulating in the unit. The evaporator converts the coolant into gas (evaporation). Step 2: the gas is sucked into a compressor to increase the pressure of the gas. When air is compressed it increases its temperature. The gas temperature is increased to 80° C. Step 3: the compressed gas is transferred to a condenser, where the heat is transferred to water in the condenser. Step 4: the heat is then circulated to the interior cabin, while the gas is converted into liquid form, and is transferred back to the heat pump evaporator via an expansion valve. The cycle is then repeated.
Is a heat pump used only for heating?	No. A heat pump can also be used for cooling. As an example, the Audi Q7 EV uses the onboard heat pump for heating and cooling.
Does a heat pump come as standard in EVs?	Though some manufacturers offer the heat pump as standard, most offer it as an optional extra. We recommend purchasing the option.
Can a heat pump be installed in an electric car post delivery?	Usually it is not possible, given the complexity of installing a heat pump. So always order it at the time of purchase.
Are all heat pumps in electric cars the same?	No. There is a difference in technology, approach and efficiency achieved for different manufacturers. As an example, Hyundai and Kia claim to have one of the most efficient heat pumps, given the ability of their technology to dynamically choose the most appropriate heat source at a given moment. Hyundai claims the heat pump incorporated in the all-electric Hyundai Kona can improve the winter electric range up to 18%, significantly higher than the average improvement (10%).
Are there any other advantages offered by a heat pump in colder months?	Yes, you can pre-heat the electric vehicle (EV) via your mobile app before you commence your journey. This way you can have a toasty warm interior cabin on a cold winter day!

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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