Lexus has finally rolled out Panasonic’s Nanoe X air quality system to all its European models so passengers can breathe easier. This technology is thought to inhibit the spread of viruses, bacteria, pollen and allergens around the cabin. It is also reported to help fight bad odors.
This technology works by expelling nano-sized water molecules containing microscopic hydroxyl radicals into the air stream of the HVAC system. This substance breaks down and neutralizes the pollutants that enter the cabin.
Lexus uses Nanoe technology before. The major change for this new version is the number of hydroxyl radical particles that the system emits at an increased rate to 4.8 trillion per second, compared to 480 billion from the previous application.
In Europe, the Nanoe X debuted on the 2021 Lexus ES. Since then, the brand has introduced it to the UX, RX, and RZ with the available Lexus Climate Concierge system. More models will get the system in 2023.
Lexus is not touting the Nanoe X technology in the United States as much as it is in Europe and does not mention the system in the spec sheet for the US market version of the vehicle. Motor1.com contacted the automaker to clarify whether the division intends to introduce it to this market.
Like most automakers, electrification is the future for Lexus. The RZ 450e is a big step in this direction. It shares a foundation with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. A pair of electric motors produce a total of 308 horsepower (230 kilowatts) and 321 pound-feet (435 Newton-meters) of torque. A 71.4 kilowatt-hour battery provides an estimated range of 225 miles (362 kilometers). Pricing details are not yet available.
The company also recently updated the UX 300e EV by increasing the battery capacity to 72.8 kWh from 54.4 kWh previously. At least in Europe, the range is thought to have increased to 280 miles (450 kilometers). Smaller tweaks include Yamaha-sourced performance dampers at the rear, revised suspension setups and updates to the electric power steering setup.
At the end of 2021, Toyota and Lexus are showing off 15 concepts that show styling ideas for electric models across various segments. The company is teasing the possibility of a production version of the Electrified Sport.
