Lexus has confirmed that its all-electric RZ 450e will not be equipped with a steer-by-wire system or a steering yoke upon its arrival in northern North America.
However, the automaker has revealed that customers in the US and Canada can expect the feature to be offered at a later date. Instead, the RZ 450e will be fitted with an electrically-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, along with a traditional steering wheel. It is not yet clear what the steer-by-wire system will be called in North America, but it will be offered alongside the rack-and-pinion system when it does become available.
According to a spokesperson for Lexus Canada, the technology has “a deep connection with the kind of electrification” that Lexus is aiming to achieve, and will help to create a closer connection between the vehicle and its driver. The yoke, which has a lock-to-lock steering angle of just 150 degrees, is expected to improve the user experience by never requiring the driver to take their hands off the wheel.
See also: 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Electric Car Announced with Starting Price of $59,650
Equipped with a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the RZ 450e has an estimated range of 220 miles (354 KM) in the US, and can reach up to 308 hp (230 kW/313 PS) and 435 Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque. The EV can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). Prices for the RZ 450e start at $59,650 in the US.
While the lack of steer-by-wire technology may be disappointing to some, Lexus is confident that the feature will be a significant step forward in the future of electric vehicles. As electrification continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see more automakers experimenting with new and innovative features to enhance the driving experience of electric vehicles.