What Lexus electric vehicles are available right now

Lexus currently sells two fully electric models in the United States: the UX 300e and the RZ 450e. The UX 300e is a compact crossover that seats five, while the RZ 450e is a larger, three-row SUV. Both are built on Toyota's e-Platform architecture and use lithium-ion battery packs. Lexus also makes the NX 450h+, which is a plug-in hybrid (not fully electric) — it has a gas engine alongside its battery, so it does not belong in the pure electric category.

The UX 300e has been available since 2022, though availability varies by state. The RZ 450e launched in 2023 and is sold nationwide. Lexus does not currently offer a fully electric sedan or truck, though the company has announced plans for additional electric models in coming years.

Key Takeaways

  • The UX 300e is a smaller, more affordable crossover with an EPA-estimated range of 228 miles on a full charge.
  • The RZ 450e is a larger SUV with up to 252 miles of range and standard all-wheel drive on most trims.
  • Both models come with a Level 2 home charger included in the purchase, and Lexus covers eight years or 100,000 miles of battery warranty.
  • Charging time depends on your charger type: a Level 2 home charger takes 9 to 10 hours for a full charge, while a DC fast charger can add 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes.
  • Lexus electric vehicles do not currently may have access to for the federal tax credit in most cases, because the company assembles them outside the United States.

UX 300e specifications and range

The UX 300e uses a single electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. It comes with front-wheel drive only. The battery is a 71-kilowatt-hour pack (usable capacity is smaller), and the EPA estimates a range of 228 miles per charge. Real-world range varies based on driving conditions, weather, and driving habits — cold temperatures and highway driving both reduce range compared to the EPA estimate.

The UX 300e seats five adults and has a cargo area of 14.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It is roughly the same size as the gas-powered UX 250, so if you have driven one, the interior layout will feel familiar. The vehicle weighs about 4,200 pounds, which is heavier than its gas counterpart because of the battery pack underneath.

RZ 450e specifications and range

The RZ 450e is larger than the UX 300e and uses dual electric motors — one on each axle — making it all-wheel drive standard. Combined output is 309 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The battery is an 84-kilowatt-hour pack, and the EPA estimates a range of 252 miles per charge. Like the UX 300e, real-world range will be lower in cold weather or at highway speeds.

The RZ 450e seats five and has 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. It is positioned as Lexus's premium electric SUV and comes with more standard features than the UX 300e, including a larger touchscreen, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof on most trims. The vehicle weighs approximately 4,700 pounds.

Charging, battery warranty, and maintenance

Both the UX 300e and RZ 450e come with a Level 2 home charger (240-volt) included in the purchase price. A Level 2 charger adds roughly 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge from empty takes 9 to 10 hours. If you use a standard 120-volt outlet instead, charging is much slower — about 3 miles of range per hour — and is not practical for daily use.

DC fast charging is available at public charging networks. A DC fast charger can add 80 percent of the battery's capacity in roughly 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity. The exact time depends on the charger's power output and the battery's current state of charge.

Lexus covers the battery under an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty. This covers defects in the battery itself, not degradation from normal use. Battery degradation is normal — most electric vehicle batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their original capacity after eight years of typical driving. Lexus does not charge for routine maintenance like tire rotations or brake fluid checks, though brake service is rare on electric vehicles because regenerative braking does most of the work.

Price, trim levels, and federal tax credit may be able to access

The UX 300e starts around $43,000 before incentives, while the RZ 450e starts around $55,000. Both prices vary by trim level and optional features. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP), and actual prices at dealerships may differ.

Neither the UX 300e nor the RZ 450e currently qualifies for the federal $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit. The credit requires that the vehicle be assembled in North America, and Lexus builds both models in Japan. This is a significant difference compared to some competitors — a Tesla Model Y or Chevrolet Bolt, for example, may may have access to depending on the specific model year and trim. If the federal credit is important to your decision, compare the after-credit price of Lexus models against other brands before deciding.

How Lexus electric vehicles compare to competitors

The UX 300e competes with vehicles like the Tesla Model Y (compact crossover segment) and the Chevrolet Equinox EV. The UX 300e has less range than the Model Y (228 miles versus up to 330 miles) but offers a more traditional Lexus interior and comes with the home charger included. The Equinox EV has similar range and a lower starting price, but the UX 300e has a more upscale feel and Lexus's reputation for reliability.

The RZ 450e competes with larger electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X and the Kia EV9. The RZ 450e has less range than the Model X (252 miles versus up to 348 miles) but is priced lower and offers Lexus's luxury brand positioning. The EV9 is larger and seats up to seven, while the RZ 450e seats five.

Charging infrastructure and real-world ownership

Charging availability depends on where you live and drive. Urban and suburban areas typically have more public charging stations than rural areas. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint let you search for charging stations by location and see real-time availability. Most public Level 2 chargers are free or cost $1 to $3 per hour. DC fast chargers typically cost $10 to $30 per 30-minute session, though prices vary by network and location.

If you have a driveway or garage, a home Level 2 charger is the most convenient option. Installation usually costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your home's electrical setup. Some states and utilities offer rebates for home charger installation, so check with your local utility before paying the full cost. If you rent or do not have off-street parking, public charging becomes more important — consider whether your daily commute and lifestyle work with public charging availability in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Lexus electric vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger?

Not directly, because Tesla Superchargers use a proprietary connector. However, Tesla has begun opening some Superchargers to other brands using adapters. Check the Tesla app or contact your local Lexus dealer to see if Superchargers near you are open to non-Tesla vehicles. Most Lexus owners use other DC fast charging networks like Electrify America or EVgo instead.

How long does it take to charge a Lexus electric vehicle from empty to full?

With a Level 2 home charger (240-volt), a full charge takes 9 to 10 hours. With a DC fast charger, you can reach 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes. A standard 120-volt outlet takes 30+ hours and is not practical for daily use. Most owners charge overnight at home and rarely need a full charge from empty.

Do Lexus electric vehicles lose range in cold weather?

Yes. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, and you may lose 20 to 40 percent of your EPA-estimated range in freezing conditions. This is normal for all electric vehicles. Preheating the cabin while plugged in helps, because it uses grid power instead of battery power. Plan for shorter range during winter months.

What is the difference between the UX 300e and the NX 450h+?

The UX 300e is fully electric with no gas engine. The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid with both a gas engine and a battery — it can run on electric power alone for short distances (roughly 40 miles), then switches to gas. The NX 450h+ is not a pure electric vehicle and does not belong in the electric car category.

Can I tow with a Lexus electric vehicle?

The UX 300e is not rated for towing. The RZ 450e has a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, which is lower than many gas-powered SUVs. Towing significantly reduces range because of the extra weight, so plan for shorter driving distances if you tow regularly.