Maximizing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions was the goal, and sophisticated hybrid technology—which combined motive power from the gasoline engine and the electric motor, which are proportionally engaged depending on driving conditions—became available to the public through mass production. Clever engineering and out-of-the-box thinking also led to other innovations that reduce energy loss. For example, the engine automatically shuts off when the vehicle is at a standstill; and energy is regenerated by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration and braking.

Hybrid technology would continue to improve through the years, and the major milestones would soon follow. In 2005, it expanded use of this system to power-demanding SUVs; the Lexus RX 400h being the first of its kind.

Following the debut of the RX 400h, Lexus gradually grew its hybrid lineup by launching the first luxury hybrid sedan, the GS 450h in 2006, and in 2007 the most powerful luxury hybrid sedan, the LS 600h. In 2009, the HS 250h, followed by the first luxury hybrid compact, the CT 200h, in 2011. The ES 300h was launched in 2012, then the IS 300h and GS 300h in 2013, and the first luxury mid-sized crossover, the NX 300h, in 2014. The first luxury hybrid sports coupe, the RC 300h, was launched globally at the end of 2015.

Fast forward to 2016 and Lexus International would announce that it has sold over 1 million hybrid vehicles since the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005. Today, Lexus sells 10 hybrid models and is the luxury brand with the widest hybrid lineup.

The Philippine market saw its first Lexus hybrid in the form of the CT 200h in 2011. Today, the LS, IS, RX, and NX hybrid variants are available locally. The LS 500h flagship model is equipped with the new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, a technology that transforms the performance and driver appeal of hybrids, providing improved responsiveness and more rewarding, linear acceleration, particularly when moving off from stationary.

The Multi Stage Hybrid System was developed with opposing goals in mind: to create a hybrid with a more sporting and engaging driving experience by closely aligning engine speed with throttle inputs, and to achieve the best possible balance of power and fuel consumption.

It marries the elements of a traditional full hybrid powertrain―usually a powerful petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack―to an automatic gearbox mounted at the rear of the hybrid transmission. The electric motor generates better acceleration feel than a conventional engine, and adding physical gears more closely aligns engine speed with the driver’s inputs. The result is a much more direct connection between the accelerator pedal and vehicle acceleration, resulting in faster 0 to 100 km/h times.

The Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System also features ‘M’ Mode which gives drivers the ability to initiate direct and responsive gear shifts for the most sporting and engaging drive yet from a Lexus hybrid. A new lightweight and compact electric motor and a lithium-ion battery offset the weight of the added automatic transmission, and so this system weighs the same as the current hybrid powertrain.

From the LS 500h, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System is found in the IS 300 Hybrid as well as RX 450h and RX 300h.

Moving on, Lexus has positioned Hybrid Drive as its key technology in addressing environmental issues in the 21st century, and it intends to enhance its hybrid lineup while encouraging the widespread use of hybrids. Lexus’s core vehicle technology will help reduce CO2 emissions while providing a pleasurable driving experience. Ambitious goals have been set by Lexus for 2050, and even more Lexus models will be available with hybrid technology before then—helping pave the way for a greener future.