Lexus has revealed the ROV Concept, the company’s first hydrogen-powered vehicle.
Choosing to build an ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) may seem a strange move for a luxury car brand. However, Lexus says it wants to bring a premium experience to the off-road domain.
More significantly, the ROV Concept demonstrates an all-new hydrogen-burning combustion engine.
Modern hydrogen vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai, have typically used a fuel-cell design. These generate electricity to provide propulsion, with pure water the only by-product.
However, the ROV Concept features a new 1.0-litre internal combustion engine. This burns hydrogen directly as a fuel source, working just like a traditional engine.
Lexus says this results in almost zero emissions, with only a small amount of oil burned while driving.
Instant throttle response
Using an internal combustion engine does, according to Lexus, produce instant throttle response and a ‘pleasing engine note’.
Despite being a rugged off-roader, the ROV Concept retains design features Lexus owners will be familiar with.
The exterior features the company’s trademark ‘spindle’ grille, with front and rear lights inspired by the latest Lexus design language. The dark bronze paint colour was developed especially for the ROV Concept.
Inside, there’s plenty of carbon fibre trim, along with two well-upholstered sports seats. Lexus says the dashboard follows its ‘Tazuna’ philosophy, with minimal gauges to avoid distracting the driver.
For now, the ROV will remain a concept: an example of what the company can do with hydrogen power.
Spiros Fotinos, head of Lexus Europe, notes that it “fuses our desire to also develop lifestyle-oriented products with our ongoing research into new technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality”.
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