Here’s an idea we can all warm to: Lexus has come up with a way of saving power by using infrared radiant heaters in the new RZ 450e electric SUV.

Although it has been seen on concept cars, Lexus is the first car in the UK to adopt this new heating method which provides direct warmth to the driver and front seat passenger while working faster and using less energy than a conventional convection heating system.

The infrared panels work in a similar way to the heaters which are sometimes seen in large industrial buildings or even outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants. They use radiant heat, which warms the surface of objects or people rather than the air. This is the same way the sun heats the Earth and is more efficient.

In the Lexus, panels installed beneath the steering column and the left-hand side of the instrument panel use infrared heating to warm the driver and front passenger’s legs directly. Delivering heat only where it is required reduces the load on the air conditioning system and helps preserve the vehicle’s driving range. Compared to a standard climate control system, Lexus says energy consumption is reduced by around 8%.

To ensure safety, the panels automatically reduce the heat of the panels to an uncomfortable but not dangerous 43 ˚C should anyone touch them.

The radiant heaters supplement the vehicle’s other climate control functions and are in addition to seat and steering wheel heaters. They are integrated into the Lexus Climate Concierge, the multi-zone climate control system which automatically adjusts cabin, seat and steering wheel heating and cooling systems to achieve optimum comfort for everyone on board, at all times.

The radiant heating is included in the Lexus’ RZ Premium Plus Pack and RZ Takumi specifications.

My, aren't you looking radiant today?