If there is anything the past year has made obvious (aside from the ongoing battle with Covid-19), it’s that people are taking societal and environmental problems more seriously. Individuals who walk the talk are more visible now, especially with the options available that makes the lifestyle shift easier – alternatives to plastic, an increasing number of plant-based meat options, as well as electrification, to name a few.
In Singapore, electrification is gaining traction, particularly when it comes to automobiles. Consider the figures from the Ministry of Transport: This year, electric vehicles (EVs) made up 1.3% of new electric car, taxi, and bus registrations for the first half of 2021, compared to 0.3% for the entirety of 2020. What’s more, the government is aiming to have 60,000 EV charging points islandwide by 2030 – a significant increase to the current number of about 2,000.
This trend bodes well for companies like Lexus, which has pioneered vehicle electrification technology since 2005. Just recently, the luxury automobile brand officially unveiled its highly anticipated all-electric Lexus UX 300e in Singapore on 22 April 2021, which coincided with Earth Day. Not only does the car promise top-notch performance and high functionality expected from a Lexus vehicle, it also boasts environmental friendliness.
(Related: The changing face of luxury)
According to Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Inchcape Greater China and Singapore (Borneo Motors, Champion Motors, Inchcape Automotive services), “We believe that Singapore is gearing up to expand its EV infrastructures and the UX 300e will offer accessible all-electric technology with its latest addition. The UX 300e also marks the beginning of a new electrified era here at Lexus. In the coming years, Lexus endeavors to further evolve driving performance and pleasure, and fundamentally transform the essence of luxury vehicles of the future.”
Adding on, Samuel Yong, Director of Business Strategy and Strategic Marketing, Borneo Motors Singapore, says, “The launch of the all-new UX 300e marks a series of firsts for Lexus. With the newest addition to the Lexus Electrified line-up, we will uphold our sustainable brand vision and pave the way for a more diverse group of eco-conscious buyers seeking ownership of their first electric luxury vehicle.”
For the unfamiliar, you might be wondering what to expect from driving the all-electric Lexus UX 300e. On the aesthetic front, it boasts a bold and sophisticated look, reminiscent of tough and agile driving with a special aerodynamic underbody cover. Within, it is designed with a practical driving range of 300 km (WLTP), which translated to five days of driving for a typical Singaporean driver for each full charge.
Meanwhile, with Acceleration Pitch Control, the UX 300e’s powerful acceleration is highly responsive yet engineered for a smooth, controllable ride. The transition from regenerative electric motor braking to hydraulic braking has been optimized for greater braking confidence.
With Singapore’s stop-start traffic, as well as navigating winding roads, the UX 300e’s deceleration can be controlled in four levels using the paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, which allows drivers to minimize use of mechanical brakes and heighten the level of energy recovery. The introduction of the Drive Mode select function also allows for smooth acceleration and deceleration according to road conditions and driver intentions.
Finally, Lexus EV owners will also enjoy greater convenience with Lexus’ signature Omotenashi experience. It boasts the longest EV warranty and most comprehensive EV high voltage battery warranty (eight years/200,000km) in the industry. Owners also get to enjoy complimentary charging at the Lexus Boutique, as well as complimentary car swaps to any Lexus Hybrids. Yong adds, “This is our way of providing them complete peace of mind and helping them transition to the world of electrification.”
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The all-electric Lexus UX 300e
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