Almost Ready To Go Full EV? Consider the RX 450h+ Plug In Hybrid as a First Step

Spend any time with the automotive press, and you will see electric vehicles (EVs) and EV discussions everywhere. It isn’t hard to understand the excitement. Besides the environmental benefits, EVs are smooth and quiet, have instant torque, and essentially no drivetrain maintenance. While the EV is quickly becoming a part of our vehicle landscape, some drivers aren’t ready to make the big switch. Enter the Lexus RX 450h+.

In the language of Lexus, a model ending with “h” means “hybrid,” whereas “h+” means “plug-in hybrid or PHEV. In the case of the RX 450h+, this means you can plug it into a normal household socket to have its lithium-ion battery charge overnight, and in the morning, you will have about 35 miles of electric driving. This figure is lower for steady highway cruising and higher for stop-and-go city driving. 

Two Different Drivetrains for Two Different Kinds of Driving

The all-electric driving range of 35 miles in the RX 450h+ gives you a definite advantage in your daily driving. For example, if your daily commute or driving routine is less than 35 miles roundtrip, the RX 450h+ can operate essentially as a non-polluting, smooth, quiet EV throughout the work week if you charge it daily. While 35 miles sounds like a very short EV range in comparison to the full electric RZ 450e and its 266 miles of range, you may still use just a gallon or two for the work week on a regular basis. This could significantly reduce your monthly fuel cost while also being environmentally conscious.

Efficiency and Power

When it comes time for your weekend trip, once past the EV range, the RX450h+ will operate as a conventional hybrid with a manufacturer’s estimate of 33 mpg on the highway, and you won’t have to give the slightest thought to charging. 

There will be plenty of power on your trip, also. The RX 450h+ plus drivetrain starts with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, producing 180 horsepower. Combine that with the front and rear electric motors (providing all-wheel drive), and the total power output is 304 horsepower, enough to send the car from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds. 

When operated in this manner, the RX 450h+ will be very efficient to operate. Electric operation is much more efficient than gas engines due to less friction loss and almost no energy wasted as heat. The RX 450+ EPA MPGe rating, which figures an electric equivalency to miles per gallon, is 83 MPGe.

Let’s not overlook that the RX 450h+ is a great luxury crossover. The Lexus RX created this segment 26 years ago and is still setting the class standard. Lexus of Henderson has done the research for you on what our RX model line can offer drivers. Just remember that if you like the idea of driving an EV for a daily driver but still want the familiarity of a gas-powered car for long driving trips, the RX 450h+ is your type of car, and we have some waiting for you at Lexus of Henderson.