Toyota is likely to be creating a brand new Lexus-branded three-row electrical SUV. The Japanese carmaker filed 4 new trademark functions with the European Union Mental Property Workplace (EUIPA) on July 19, 2023, for various variations of the Lexus TZ, as per the Lexus RX Homeowners discussion board.

The model is hoping to trademark 4 names, together with TZ450e and TZ550e. For those who’re accustomed to Toyota and Lexus nomenclature, you’d know that ‘Z’ connotes BEVs. Toyota has the bZ4X, whereas Lexus has the RZ 450e, the electrical various to the RX.

The model just lately launched the 2024 Lexus TX, a swanky gas-powered three-row SUV that shares its GA-Ok platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander and slots between the RX and the GX. The brand new TZ could possibly be the TX’s pure electrical counterpart.

If this seems to be true, it will likely be clear that the model is sustaining an alphanumerical naming consistency for its upcoming electrified fashions.

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Particulars are restricted to the trademark names, however we will count on the TZ to stick to the RZ’s design language. It would characteristic the aerodynamic spindle physique and sport components just like the illuminated Lexus emblem and a full-width taillamp.

Up to now, Toyota and Lexus have used the e-TNGA platform for his or her electrical SUVs, however the TZ could possibly be primarily based on a devoted EV platform. The e-TNGA shares a number of elements with the ICE-specific TNGA and therefore just isn’t as cost-effective as devoted EV platforms.

The automaker has plans to fabricate a three-row Toyota electrical SUV at its Georgetown Meeting Plant in Kentucky from 2025, and the TZ is more likely to be its extra premium Lexus iteration. Regardless that the trademark filings had been performed with EUIPA, it’s potential that the Lexus electrical SUV can be provided within the US as properly.

The SUVs could possibly be powered by US-assembled batteries, because the automaker has ramped up investments in its under-construction battery manufacturing website in North Carolina. The corporate will reportedly infuse $5.9 billion to fabricate HEV and BEV batteries on the North Carolina website.

The model continues to be lagging behind opponents on the subject of scaling up BEV manufacturing and producing attraction amongst patrons. Its H1 2023 US BEV gross sales elevated however they weren’t spectacular by any measure. The group bought 20,710 plug-in autos (BEVs and hybrids) within the first six months of 2023, of which 3,415 had been Lexus fashions and 17,295 had been Toyota vehicles.

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