Monday, 17 November 2008

Find out more about Lexus Hybrid Drive FAQ

As a premium automotive manufacturer, we fully understand our responsibilities and the need to reduce the impact Lexus vehicles have on the environment.

Lexus remains the first and only luxury car manufacturer to offer a comprehensive hybrid model range, addressing both growing environmental concerns and the desire for cleaner more efficient vehicles. In the case of the LS 600h for example, CO2 emissions are approximately 25% lower than equivalent premium saloons, without any sacrifice in performance. Moreover, nitrogen oxide (NO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emission levels have been reduced to virtually zero.

To find out more about Lexus Hybrid Drive

Frequently asked questions

How reliable is Lexus Hybrid Drive?
Vehicles powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive are very reliable. Independent tests show our Lexus Hybrid Drive to be as reliable as our petrol and diesel powered vehicles. Reliability is helped by the durability of components in the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. For instance, the car’s electric motors and generators are completely maintenance free, and the V6 or V8 petrol engine are usually running in optimum conditions, meaning a long engine life.

How long does the hybrid battery last/keep its charge?
The system maintains the battery charge at a constant level at all times by monitoring and computing the cumulative amount of discharge under acceleration, and recharging by regenerative braking or with surplus power under normal running conditions. This avoidance of excessive battery draining/recharging is another reason for the long life of the battery. The advanced compact battery is covered by the warranty of every hybrid vehicle we deliver. In normal use, we expect the battery to last much longer than the length of this warranty

How far can I travel on battery power alone?
While Lexus Hybrid Drive will operate on battery power alone at low speeds, the system intelligently keeps the battery topped up to a certain minimum level. The actual distance you can travel purely on battery power depends on a variety of factors, including road conditions, the level of battery charge and vehicle load.

What happens during regenerative braking?
Lexus Hybrid Drive features advanced regenerative braking technology. When you brake, the kinetic energy produced during braking is transformed into electricity by a generator in the Hybrid Transmission and then stored in the high-voltage compact battery for use later. The recapturing of energy which would otherwise be lost as heat, noise and friction can contribute to a petrol saving of around 1 litre per 100 km.

Do you have to charge a car fitted with Lexus Hybrid Drive?
No. The RX 400h, GS 450h and LS 600h never need to be plugged in to mains power. This is because our Lexus Hybrid Drive technology automatically recharges the car’s advanced compact battery, either through regenerative braking or by generating electricity while you’re coasting or cruising.

What advantages does Lexus Hybrid Drive have over other competing hybrid systems?
Lexus was the first marque to introduce hybrid technology to the luxury car in 2004 with the launch of the RX luxury hybrid SUV. Since then, we have continued to refine our hybrid technology through multiple model generations, and cars with Lexus Hybrid Drive have covered millions of miles in real-life driving conditions. Our technology is proven, reliable, intelligent and sophisticated. Lexus Hybrid Drive has been developed solely by Lexus for use in luxury vehicles, based on advanced technology used in nearly one million hybrid units. And now we offer a complete range of the world’s most powerful hybrid luxury cars delivering a combination of high performance, quiet running, fuel economy and lower emissions that cannot be matched.

Can I switch between power sources?
The driver never has to change power sources as this is all managed seamlessly by the Power Control Unit. However, on our LS 600h flagship saloon, you can choose to switch to “zero emissions” electric mode for a short period where conditions permit.

How and when does Lexus Hybrid Drive switch from petrol engine to electric motor or motors?
Due to the seamlessly smooth operation of Lexus Hybrid Drive, you will usually not notice the switch between electric and petrol power. However, on the power flow monitor on your dashboard you’ll see that at start-up and at lower speeds usually only the electric motor(s) powers the vehicle. As speed increases, the Power Control Unit (PCU) will call on the petrol engine to provide additional power. At cruising speeds, the electric motor or motors will often be working as generators. And the PCU will call on additional electric power when you wish to accelerate hard.

Can I leave my Lexus Hybrid Drive vehicle for an extended period of time, while on holiday for example, without having to recharge the battery?
As with all vehicles, if left for an extended period of time without use in severe weather conditions it may need recharging. However, in the unlikely event that the battery discharges completely, the petrol engine will start the car and be used to recharge the main advanced compact battery.

 If you have a question relating to Lexus Hybrid Drive which has not been answered or you would like to arrange a test drive with any of the Lexus Hybrid drive vehicles please contact your nearest Sytner Lexus Centre.