Lexus ROV is A Hydrogen-Fueled Side-By-Side

The growing popularity of side-by-sides has given birth to many exciting new models. Lexus has now entered the segment with its ROV concept, which is an acronym for Recreational Off-highway Vehicle. According to Lexus, the side-by-side concept generates “near-zero emissions” because it uses hydrogen as fuel.

However, this is not a fuel cell-powered off-roader. Instead, ROV is powered by a direct-injected 1-liter engine, which burns compressed hydrogen stored in a tank. Hydrogen is injected directly into the combustion chamber of Lexus ROV’s engine. This allows the powerplant to function like a traditional internal combustion motor but instead of gasoline, it runs on Hydrogen. The fuel tank is stored at the rear and is covered by a sleek black protective cage.

Powered by a hydrogen-burning engine, it stretches 71 inches wide, 68 inches tall, and is 322 inches long. The cabin gets a human-centric design. In the past, Lexus took a similar approach with its Tazuna concept. Lexus stated that the idea behind using hydrogen as an alternate fuel was to retain the “immediate responsiveness” that fans have come to associate with Lexus offerings, which can be lost if the vehicle is powered by batteries.

“The Lexus ROV is our response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers. As a concept, it fuses our desire to also develop lifestyle-oriented products with our ongoing research into new technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality. As well as delivering a concept that is thrilling to drive, it has near zero emissions thanks to its hydrogen powered engine,” said Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe.

Lexus ROV Image Gallery

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Even though the concept does not feature the Japanese automaker’s telltale spindle grille, ROV’s styling helps it stand out as a Lexus offering. The off-roader is Lexus’ first venture into the lifestyle-oriented product segment. ROV was designed with the help of Lexus’ research into new technologies. So far, Lexus has not released any information on the concept’s performance.

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Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a SoCal-based automotive & lifestyle journalist who currently writes for FutureCar, HotCars, TheRichest, TheTalko, CorvetteForum, Rennlist, TeamSpeed, and Speednik amongst several other websites.
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