Car manufacturer Lexus pushes back plans for an all-electric lineup, deciding to prolong production of hybrid and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models instead.
Lexus Shifts Gears: Delayed Transition to Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Models Continue
Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota, has announced a change in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, delaying its transition to an all-EV lineup beyond 2035 [1]. The move comes as the company continues to produce hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) models alongside EVs for the foreseeable future.
In 2026, Lexus will bid farewell to some of its iconic models. The LC 500 V8 and LC 500h hybrid variants will see their final editions [5]. The LX, which was reengineered in 2025 to include a hybrid powertrain, will continue its journey.
The hybrid expansion doesn't stop there. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid model will remain in production, and Lexus plans to offer hybrid versions of popular nameplates alongside EV variants [3].
Toyota's strategic EV plan involves ramping up battery and EV production globally, with a focus on solid-state battery commercialization by 2027-2028 [4]. This development will undoubtedly influence Lexus' EV capabilities shortly after.
Meanwhile, Lexus' first EV, the RZ, is expected to have an approximate range of 480 kilometers after announced range improvements. The electric sports coupe, inspired by the LFA supercar and expected in late 2026, boasts a projected range exceeding 640 kilometers, potentially utilizing solid-state batteries still in development [4].
The compact UX crossover will be reengineered in 2026 and offered solely as a hybrid, while the compact NX and midsize RX crossovers are due for redesigns or freshenings in 2028 [3]. The ES sedan will be released with both electric and hybrid powertrains in late 2026, and a new electric model of similar size to the TX is under development and expected in 2027 [3].
Other updates include a new F-Sport variant scheduled for 2026 and the end of production for the V8 LC 500 convertible and IS 500 sedan due to electrification [4]. The slowing market adoption rates and ongoing development of EV technologies have likely influenced Lexus' strategy revision.
In summary, Lexus is extending its production timeline for hybrid and ICE models beyond the previous 2035 target, with a focus on hybrid expansion and legacy ICE models in 2026, and a transition accelerating post-2035.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Lexus EV-only goal | Delayed beyond 2035, continued hybrid/ICE | | 2026 planned Lexus releases| LC farewell editions (LC 500 V8 & LC 500h), UX as hybrid only, ES with electric and hybrid powertrains | | Hybrid/PHEV models | NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid production ongoing | | EV tech roadmap | Solid-state battery commercialization targeted for 2027-2028 (Toyota-led) | | Other updates | LX hybrid, RZ electric sports coupe, F-Sport variant, GX and LX updates in 2028, IS with no major updates in 2026, TX electric model expected in 2027 |
- The transition of Lexus, a luxury brand under Toyota, to an all-electric lineup beyond 2035 has been delayed, with continued production of hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) models.
- Lexus plans to offer hybrid versions of popular nameplates alongside electric variants, showing a focus on both technologies in the transportation industry.
- In the finance sector, Toyota has announced plans to ramp up battery and electric vehicle (EV) production globally, with a focus on solid-state battery commercialization by 2027-2028.
- As lifestyles evolve and demand for electric-vehicles grows, Lexus, being part of the automotive industry, will surely benefit from these advancements in technology by offering electric vehicles with improved ranges in the future.
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