Stunning Lexus LF-ZC to beat Model 3's range with prismatic cells before Toyota's solid-state battery EV

Toyota recently confirmed that its mass solid-state battery production efforts are on track for release of its first solid-state battery EV in 2027. Even before that, however, Toyota will have an electric car with 600+ miles of range launched under the Lexus brand.

Thanks to Toyota's new prismatic battery, the Lexus LF-ZC promises 1000km (~621 miles) of range on a single charge when it is released in 2026. On the face of it, this is double the Tesla Model 3 range, all the while the upcoming Lexus EV slots somewhere in its size segment.

Given the stunning design and interior of the Lexus LF-ZC, this means that the Tesla Model 3 will have a formidable competitor in terms of specs and looks, if not in price. When Toyota announced its future EV plans, however, it became clear that their projected range was calculated on the generous China-specific CLTC test, including the headline-grabbing 700+ miles range of its solid-state battery.

The CLTC range standard reflects the driving habits in China and is about a third more generous that the EPA standard in the US, so when Toyota announces a 600-mile Lexus LF-ZC, that's more of a 400-mile range on the EPA test. Still a commendable achievement, but not a jaw-dropping one, and not as far from the Model 3 LR's 333 miles of EPA range estimates as it looks on paper.

The Lexus LF-ZC, however, will be released with many other virtues that may give it a leg up before the direct EV competition. Its aggressive styling is practical, too, offering a spacious cabin and extremely low 0.2 drag coefficient at the same time. Toyota's DIRECT4 AWD and smooth Steer-by-Wire systems round up the drivetrain capabilities of the upcoming Lexus LF-ZC.

Toyota's Tesla-beating gigacasting method will be used to lower its production costs, and it will come powered by a new dedicated Arene OS. "With just one vehicle, it will be possible to replicate various car operations, driving characteristics, sounds, and vibrations tailored to individual preferences," says Toyota.

Not only that, but inside the driver will be able to converse with the new AI-powered "Butler" which "goes beyond just understanding customers' characteristics and providing suggestions that address their immediate needs - it also identifies preferences that customers may not be aware of, offering new experiential value."

Toyota also waxes poetic about the sustainability chops of the Lexus LF-ZC such as the Bamboo CMF (Color, Material, Finish) concept that "strikes a balance between its fast growth, significant CO2 absorption capacity, and the enduring beauty it has offered in Japan for centuries as a material for construction and crafts."

Beside the LF-ZC (for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), which will go into production in 2026, Lexus also teased an LF-ZL SUV concept that will be the pinnacle of its electric vehicle strategy, but stayed mum on its release date.

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