Lexus Ux300E Offers Bespoke Electrified Ownership Experience

Putting innovative technology at the heart of the UX 300e ownership experience, to achieve enjoyable and trouble-free driving in its first all-electric car, the Japanese luxury carmaker has launched a full-service solution called ‘Lexus Charging Network’. Developed together with Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, a leader in the field of seamless and convenient digital charging solutions, with access to the largest charging network in Europe, the new service is accessible using the ‘Lexus Link ‘connectivity app that was created to complement the brand’s famed ‘Omotenashi’ service philosophy.

“Our new UX 300e owners will discover an electrified driving experience that is unique to Lexus,” comments Pascal Ruch, Head of Lexus Europe. “In parallel, we have embraced the latest connectivity technology to ensure the UX 300e meets our world-class benchmarks for customer satisfaction.”

When fully rolled out, the new ‘Lexus Charging Network’ service will provide access to Europe’s largest network of around 160,000 public charging stations, allowing UX 300e drivers to check availability, charging speed and price per kWh. The Lexus Link’s Charging Station Finder quickly locates charging stations wherever owners drive in Europe and once they arrive at a charging station, they simply identify themselves using the Lexus Link app or an RFID card before charging.

Using the Lexus Charging Network, UX 300e owners will benefit from receiving only one contract and a single charging card for all participating charging stations, meaning they can charge in different countries without the need for a large number of cards or contracts with other providers. Payment is made via a single monthly invoice.

“Leveraging Lexus' strong vision and leadership in electrified hybrid vehicles, with our expertise in developing digital charging solutions, enables a seamless transition to electric driving. With easy-to-use services, Lexus BEV owners can now conveniently charge their vehicles at stations in many European countries with only one solution," explains Markus Bartenschlager, Managing Director of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH

Advanced connectivity

The new UX300e gives the driver remote control of key vehicle functions such as charging, defrosting and the air conditioning system. For instance, with the Lexus Link app the owner can activate the BEV’s heating or ventilation before getting behind the wheel. A defrost setting can clear screens and warm the car so no time is wasted when leaving home; likewise, the cabin can be cooled down ready for departure on a hot day. The system will run for up to 20 minutes, so operation can be synchronized with the time the owner wants to begin their journey.

Alongside BEV-related tasks, Lexus Link already includes many useful features:

•             “Find my Car”: locates the UX 300e and guides the driver back to it.

•             “Share to Car”: enables the driver to plan a route on another device and send it to their car, while ‘Car to Door’ guides them on foot to their final destination once they are parked.

•             Driving Analytics: lets the driver track journeys, driving style and highlight business trips.

•             Service and Maintenance: helps the driver manage the care of their UX 300e.

•             Warning Lights: for added reassurance, this function explains the meaning of each warning light and any action that should be taken.

Trouble-free charging options at home and on the move

Having studied BEV usage patterns, Lexus sized the battery on the UX 300e so that the majority of European drivers will only need to charge once a week. In most cases this will be done overnight at home using an AC charging station that Lexus will help install. A number of features make home charging especially convenient for the UX 300e owner. For example, there is an adjustable maximum charge setting which enables owners living at the top of a hill to select a lower maximum charge level. This ensures that just enough battery capacity remains after charging to allow for regenerative charging when descending the hill.

On longer journeys the Lexus Link app will help the driver to rapidly identify DC charging stations in the Lexus Charging Network where they can recharge quickly whilst enjoying a coffee or comfort break.

Remote charging control

Using Lexus Link, the UX 300e owner can schedule the charging time for the car, to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs for example. Lexus Link also allows them to check the status of the car’s battery, the current driving range and the time remaining for complete charge - information that is particularly useful when the BEV is connected to a public charging point. Alerts can be received to warn of a low battery charge level or any problems with the charging process