--- title: "How the Lexus GX’s Ladder Frame Is Ready for Future EVs" description: "The new Lexus GX was build with electrification in mind, as its ladder frame chassis is capable if housing batteries." date: "2023-06-10" modified: "2023-06-10" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-the-lexus-gxs-ladder-frame-is-ready-for-future-evs" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "GX" - "Lexus" - "suv/crossover" --- # How the Lexus GX’s Ladder Frame Is Ready for Future EVs ![]() The new[ Lexus GX]() is one of the coolest new SUVs on the market, with its boxy, kick-ass styling and twin-turbo V6. Thankfully, it should stick around for a while, as its ladder frame chassis was built with the future of electrification in mind. At the moment, only one powertrain is available: a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, which is paired with a ten-speed automatic. However, when Toyota and [Lexus ]()were developing the GA-F platform ([Toyota Sequoia](), Tundra, Land Cruiser), they designed it with the capability of housing battery packs, as well as hybrid and electric powertrains. ![]() "With modifications \[to the GA-F platform\], that's something that was considered during the original structural development of the car," Lexus Chief Engineer Koji Tsukaski told *[Motor Trend]()* during the media reveal. Both Toyota and Lexus want the GA-F platform to have a long life-cycle, which isn't surprising. The last-generation Land Cruiser chassis lasted over ten years, having launching in 2007. So if Toyota and Lexus want their new off-roaders to be competitive for another decade, electrification is necessary. While Tsukaski hinted that hybrids would be first, battery-electric vehicles are likely in the future. "The base design does account for the possible use of BEVs," he said. ![]() While this is good news for GX fans, it isn't exactly groundbreaking stuff. An electric Lexus GX (or Toyota Land Cruiser/Sequoia) wouldn't be the first latter-frame EV. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV are both fully electric pickup trucks with ladder frame chassis. It's actually relatively easy to fit an EV battery pack in a ladder frame, as the cells are just packed in between the ladder frame rails. It's simpler packaging than with a monocoque (or unibody) chassis and allows for better interior space. EVs are also quite good off road with the right setup, such as the Rivian R1T's quad-motor powertrain. Their ability to send torque to specific wheels in an instant is immensely helpful and their lower centers of gravity help keep them planted. Off-roading enthusiasts were happy to see that the new Lexus GX kept its solid rear axle, which is preferrable for off roading, as solid axles provide better articulation over uneven terrain. Thankfully, that doesn't have to change with electrification, either. We've already seen that a few companies, such as [Ford ]()and [Magna](), have been working on solid electric axles for more serious off-roaders. Tsukaski didn't say when an electrified GX would be coming but it's clear that Lexus has such a car in mind. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()