Toyota has filed for three intriguing trademarks in Europe which indicate that it might have a new EV around the corner.
The trademark applications were made through the European Union Intellectual Property Office and discovered by members of the Lexus RX Owners forum. They consist of HZ300e, HZ450e, and HZ550e, and obviously reference three different versions of the same model. But, just what form could this model take?
Like many of its premium competitors, Lexus is making moves towards electrification. It plans to offer an EV option on all its models by 2030 and will become an electric-only brand by 2035. Earlier this year, Lexus filed trademarks for the names TZ450e and TZ550e, prompting theories this model will serve as a three-row electric SUV to sit above the RZ. If this is true then it is possible that the HZ may be an SUV that sits below the RZ.
Whatever the case may be, the possibility of having three distinct variants on offer should entice buyers. The current RZ450e features a pair of electric motors delivering 309 hp and 321 lb-ft (435 Nm) and it’s certainly possible the HZ450e will have the same powertrain. This could mean the HZ300e may be driven by a single electric motor, while the HZ550e would have a healthy dose of additional power over the 450e, potentially upwards of 400 hp.
Read: Lexus LBX Rumored To Get GR Yaris Engine For New Performance Variant Debuting In Tokyo
While details about the Lexus HZ are thin on the ground at the moment, we do know that the firm’s most advanced, next-generation EV will take the form of the LF-ZC, previewed in the form of a concept at last month’s Japan Mobility Show. This innovative new model will be constructed using gigacasting and feature batteries with a prismatic structure that is expected to significantly boost range while also reducing weight. The LF-ZC will be similar in size to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
