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The electric future for Toyota and Lexus has been unveiled in Japan, with a pair of concepts using production methods that borrow from Tesla’s playbook and promise to double driving range with new-generation batteries.

Lexus LF-ZC Is Coming For The Tesla Model 3 In 2026 With Prismatic Batteries
Lexus says that the LF-ZC will have twice the range of traditional BEVs and autonomously drive itself down the assembly line.

The "Next-Generation Battery Performance Version (Square)" currently under development for next-generation battery EVs aims to achieve a cruising range of 1000, km by improving vehicle efficiency and battery performance by reducing aerodynamic performance and weight. In addition, in order to achieve high energy density, the battery structure can be simplified and compact, so that more energy can be installed.

The electric Lexus LF-ZC and Lexus LF-ZL concepts have been revealed today at the Japan Motor Show in Tokyo and will be the luxury brand’s first vehicles to use a Tesla-like ‘gigacasting’ production method on an autonomous assembly line.

Both concepts will form the basis of electric production models – Lexus confirming the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), which is similar in size to the previous Lexus IS sedan – for global showrooms in 2026.

Gigacasting is a production technique that reduces assembly time and cost and has been widely publicised by electric car maker, Tesla, which has used the technique to build its Model Y electric SUV since 2020.

Tesla uses an aluminium die-cast machine which, through gigacasting, is able to produce much larger structural parts than typically produced in automotive factories.

Now, it has been revealed that the Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL will use gigacasting to create a new modular structure that is split into front, centre and rear sections. Lexus says gigacasting has enabled more flexibility in the component layout and therefore look of both concepts, which leads to better interior space – including a flat floor – and superior drivability.

That includes a ‘prismatic’ battery pack that is positioned low and central in the vehicle. The LF-ZC also comes with the promise of approximately ‘twice the range of conventional battery electric vehicles’, and while Lexus hasn’t produced a figure, its current electric RZ SUV in local showrooms has a claimed 395km range.

Lexus also has a goal of making LF-ZC one of the most aerodynamic production cars in the world, which will help fulfil the promise of significantly greater driving range.

An autonomous assembly line – where the vehicles move without the need for conveyor belts – also improves production efficiency.

Lexus LF-ZC concept

The LF-ZC has a similar footprint with the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3, measuring 4,750 mm (187 inches) long, 1,880 mm (74 inches) wide, and standing 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) tall with a 2,890 mm (113.7-inch) wheelbase. Lexus is targeting a drag coefficient of less than 0.2 which, if achieved, would make it one of the slipperiest production vehicles ever.





















LF-ZL











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Toyota showcases new generation battery electric technologies with FT-3e concept.

- European debut of the Toyota FT-3e concept - previewing next-generation battery electric vehicle technology
- Innovative technologies allow the car to serve as a medium for transferring energy and data
- Developed to achieve an ideal balance between performance, accessibility and natural resources
- Design combines advanced styling and aesthetics, with body lines and surfaces kept as simple as possible

Toyota provided an insight into the design and technology possibilities it is exploring for next-generation of battery electric vehicles by presenting its FT-3e concept for the first time in Europe at its Kenshiki forum in Brussels.

FT-3e features the versatile new generation BEV architecture that allows to create a wide variety of products including the Lexus LF-ZC luxury sedan and the performance-oriented FT-Se sports car.

These next generation BEV vehicles are designed to achieve the lowest possible weight and optimised aerodynamics for increased efficiency and range, whilst at the same time bringing a focus on efficient resources usage.

The FT-3e is a concept that also embraces a wide range of future technologies that go beyond delivering carbon-neutral mobility to connect with society, acting as a transfer medium for data and energy – to and from the car itself or its surroundings.

It has a sweeping exterior design that combines advanced styling and aesthetics, with body lines and surfaces kept as simple as possible.

Digital displays extend from the lower side the body to the upper door section. These present information as the driver approaches the vehicle, such as the state of battery charge and the interior temperature and air quality.

TOYOTA FT-Se sports car concept electrifies and evolves

- Battery electric high-performance two-seater sportscar concept for a carbon neutral era
- Powerful low, wide stance and sleek silhouette with distinctive lines inspired by advanced aerodynamics
- Handling, cornering and braking enhanced by lighter, smaller components
-Next-generation batteries, with compact dimensions and a high energy density
- Personal ride customisation reflects a driver’s lifestyle and individual values


Toyota showcases an exciting potential future for high-performance sports cars with the zero emissions FT-Se battery electric two-seater concept vehicle.

Incorporating the expertise gained from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsport participation, the FT-Se concept presents a vision of how a driver’s relationship with their vehicles will evolve and deepen.

With its name drawn from ‘Future Toyota Sports electric’, the FT-Se is a concept for high performance in the carbon neutral era. It incorporates a stunningly sleek, smooth silhouette characteristic of a pure two-seater sports car, encasing next generation battery electric technology.

At a compact 1,220 mm tall, it recalls memories of classic sports cars from the past while its 1,895 mm width generates a purposeful stance, accentuated by a cutting edge front design which combines smooth curves and aggressive lines. A 4,380 mm long and sleek silhouette catches the eye thanks to its aerodynamic lines, distinctive trapezoid shapes and evocative rear spoiler.

Inside, the next-generation cockpit offers intuitive controls and a more immersive driving experience, with a low instrument panel profile ensuring high visibility. Newly designed kneepads protect the driver and passenger from G-forces during driving, whether on the road or in the FT-Se’s natural habitat, the race track.

Progress in the fields of electrification and intelligent technology have allowed Toyota to build on the direction already indicated in 2021 when the first sports concept was unveiled as part of the company’s vision for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Enhanced handling stability and aerodynamic performance complement the response and pure thrills of a high-performance, next generation electric powertrain.

The latest batteries, with a low height and high energy density, are an important factor in enabling the FT-Se to push the boundaries of performance. That technology, combined with the downsizing and weight reduction of components such as the motor, transmission and air conditioning unit, allow new possibilities to enhance traditional sports car qualities such as stable cornering, responsive handling and confident braking.

The FT-Se is intended to continually grow through ongoing software updates and beyond, whilst reflecting the driver’s lifestyle and individual values through customisation and convenient functions for stress-free operation. Toyota believes that future mobility will go beyond providing physical transportation tools to becoming a lifestyle partner. The FT-Se concept is a vision of how a battery electric sportscar could become a one-of-a-kind vehicle to get a driver’s pulse racing and foster a long-term bond.

Toyota first displayed the FT-Se at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo on 26 October-5 November, alongside the FT-3e, a next-generation battery electric SUV-type concept. Both vehicles represent a future transformed by electrification and intelligence, which goes beyond providing physical transportation tool and explores new experience values offered by cars

Source: Toyota