Last year, three out of four Lexus sales in Australia were of electrified vehicles, which includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).
Lexus Australia has confirmed an all-time record share for electrified vehicles, with 10,164 out of its 13,642 vehicles delivered last year featuring some form of electrification.That equates to 74.5 per cent of overall Lexus sales Down Under in 2024, up from 60.4 per cent in 2023 and 46.3 per cent in 2022.Of those 10,100 electrified vehicles, 9506 units were conventional hybrids, 351 were PHEVs, and 307 were EVs.
This record-breaking performance demonstrates a significant shift in consumer preferences towards more environmentally friendly luxury vehicles. The trend aligns with Lexus's global strategy to increase its electrified vehicle offerings, with the company aiming to have electrified powertrains account for 80% of its new car volume by 2025, and 100% by 2030.
Breaking down the sales figures:
Conventional Hybrids:
The majority of Lexus's electrified sales (9,506 units) were conventional hybrids. This popularity can be attributed to their blend of fuel efficiency and practicality, without the need for charging infrastructure.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs):
With 351 units sold, PHEVs represent a growing segment for Lexus. These vehicles offer the benefits of pure electric driving for short distances while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
Electric Vehicles (EVs):
Although the smallest segment with 307 units, the EV sales indicate a growing interest in fully electric luxury vehicles. This number is expected to increase as Lexus expands its EV lineup and charging infrastructure improves across Australia.
The success of Lexus's electrified lineup in Australia is part of a broader global trend. The luxury automaker has been seeing similar growth in other markets, reflecting a worldwide shift towards more sustainable transportation options.Factors contributing to this success include:
- Increasing environmental awareness among consumers
- Government incentives for low-emission vehicles
- Improvements in battery technology and vehicle range
- A growing charging infrastructure network
- The prestige associated with owning advanced, eco-friendly vehicles
Lexus's parent company, Toyota, has long been a pioneer in hybrid technology, and this expertise has clearly benefited the luxury brand. The company's reputation for reliability and quality has helped to ease consumer concerns about adopting new technologies.
Looking ahead, Lexus is poised to further expand its electrified lineup. The company has announced plans to introduce several new EV models in the coming years, including the RZ 450e SUV and future performance-oriented EVs.
As the Australian automotive market continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and improving fuel efficiency, Lexus's strong performance in the electrified vehicle segment positions it well for future growth.
The brand's commitment to offering a diverse range of electrified options, from hybrids to full EVs, allows it to cater to varying consumer needs and preferences within the luxury market.
This record-setting year for Lexus in Australia not only highlights the brand's success but also serves as an indicator of the broader automotive industry's direction towards electrification.
As more luxury brands enter the electrified vehicle space, competition is likely to intensify, potentially driving further innovation and improved offerings for consumers.
