The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has added three electric cars to its Top Safety Pick+ list for 2023: Genesis Electrified GV70, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Lexus RZ 450e. What stands out this year is the focus on night-time pedestrian safety, aligning with increased rates of pedestrian accidents after dark.

The GV70 is built on the same architecture as its gas-powered version

These vehicles underwent extensive tests for crash protection and crash prevention tech. Both Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Lexus RZ 450e achieved “superior ratings” in vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash tests in low-light conditions, while the Genesis Electrified GV70 followed closely with an “advanced rating.”

Interestingly, the GV70 is built on the same architecture as its gas-powered version, not the Electric-Global Modular Architecture (E-GMP) that underpins the Ioniq 6. This design choice didn’t impact its safety, with the GV70 also noted for having the best headlights among the three.

IIHS President David Harkey stressed the importance of comprehensive front crash prevention systems in these electric cars, both for day and night, saying, “Night-time pedestrian safety is a growing concern.” The inclusion of low-light safety measures in these vehicles depicts an industry shift towards more holistic road safety. It also serves as a crucial step toward the IIHS’s aim for zero traffic fatalities.

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Toyota is a leading Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its reliable and durable vehicles. With a rich history dating back to 1937, Toyota has become one of the largest automakers globally. The company’s vehicles are quite trusted. Toyota is now looking to make big moves in the EV sector. Its Lexus brand might soon add a new three-row electric SUV to its lineup, according to recent trademark filings. On July 19, 2023, Toyota submitted four trademark applications to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, seeking protection for different versions of the Lexus TZ, potentially indicating the development of an electric SUV.

Sources have stated that the new cars will have a dedicated vehicle platform

The trademarks in question include TZ450e and TZ550e, suggesting that these models could fall into the electric vehicle category. This naming consistency aligns with Toyota’s current electric offerings, such as the bZ4X, and Lexus’s RZ 450e, an electric variant of the RX. Based on the available information, it is likely that the new TZ will share design elements with the RZ, featuring an aerodynamic spindle body, illuminated Lexus emblem, and a full-width taillamp, providing a sporty and modern appearance.

While details are scarce regarding the technical aspects of the TZ, it is expected to differ from previous models by potentially being built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. This choice would improve cost-effectiveness compared to sharing components with internal combustion engine-specific platforms.

Moreover, Toyota intends to manufacture a three-row electric SUV at its Kentucky-based Georgetown Assembly Plant starting in 2025. The TZ could be the premium Lexus version of this model, designed to appeal to the luxury market segment. It is highly probable that the Lexus electric SUV will also be made available in the United States, potentially powered by batteries assembled in Toyota’s North Carolina battery manufacturing facility. The automaker’s substantial investment of $5.9 billion in this site aims to produce both hybrid and battery electric vehicle batteries.

Although Toyota and Lexus have experienced growing interest in their electric vehicles, they are still working to catch up with competitors in terms of scaling up production and attracting buyers. In the first half of 2023, they sold a combined total of 20,710 plug-in vehicles, comprising 3,415 Lexus models and 17,295 Toyota cars. Those are great numbers, but with the competition ramping up fast, manufacturers have to look towards staying relevant in the EV industry.

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As global car manufacturers strive to stay afloat in the hurricane of Electric Transportation, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota and Lexus brands) reported a 7.1 percent increase in vehicle sales during the second quarter of 2023 in the United States, with a total of 568,962 units sold compared to the previous year. While Toyota experienced a 5 per cent growth, selling 487,802 vehicles in Q2, Lexus outperformed with a remarkable 22 percent increase, selling 81,160 vehicles. However, year-to-date figures indicate a slight decline in overall sales for both brands.

Companies are adding newer, more diverse models to their portfolios

In terms of electrified vehicles (xEVs), Toyota and Lexus displayed positive growth. The number of xEV models expanded to 24, and sales rose by 14 percent year-over-year to 151,825 units in Q2. xEVs accounted for 26 percent of the total volume so far this year, with sales reaching 270,476 units.

The surge in xEV sales can be attributed to all-electric vehicles (BEVs), which saw significant growth, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) experienced a slight decline of 3 percent. Toyota’s xEV sales reached 128,034 units, while Lexus achieved a noteworthy 103 percent increase with 23,791 units sold. The total xEV market share stood at 26.7 percent.

In Q2 2023, plug-in electric car sales showed a promising 27 percent year-over-year improvement, totalling 11,458 units, equivalent to 2.0 percent of the total volume. The growth in plug-in sales was primarily driven by a remarkable 745 percent surge in BEV sales, while PHEVs declined by 6 percent.

Leading the rechargeable models, the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid remained the top-seller with 5,554 units, marking a 13 percent increase. The all-electric Toyota bZ4X secured the second position with 1,961 units, while the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e recorded 932 units. The hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Toyota Mirai witnessed a positive growth of 64 percent, with 1,054 units sold.

Toyota’s plug-in car sales in 2023 show promise, particularly driven by the success of the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the introduction of all-electric models like the bZ4X and Lexus RZ 450e, indicating a growing interest in electrified vehicles among Toyota and Lexus customers in the United States.

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