Toyota and Lexus just made EV road trips way easier
May 12, 2026
The new 2026 ES will be the first Lexus model to feature Toyota’s Arene software platform, unlocking new features including EV route planning.
If you’ve ever taken a road trip in a Tesla, you know how much easier it is with Trip Planner. All you have to do is simply enter your destination on the navigation screen, and it will find the fastest route with the most convenient charging stops along the way.
Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus, announced that the new all-electric 2026 ES will be its first EV to feature route planning.
The new ES will be the first to debut with the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, powered by Automotive Grade Linux and Toyota’s Arene platform.
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Developed by Woven by Toyota, Arene is a unified, software-defined vehicle (SDV) platform that was first introduced in the 2026 RAV4 and is now rolling out to upcoming Lexus models, starting with the all-new 2026 ES.
The platform enables new features, continuous improvements via software updates, a faster, smartphone-like UI, and a personalized experience.
For the first time in a Lexus vehicle, native navigation is now displayed on the full multi-information display (MID) screen in front of the driver with turn-by-turn directions and maps.
The next-gen Lexus Interface introduces several new features for electric vehicle drivers, including EV Routing and EV Charge Management. With a touch of a button, you can now set and monitor charging on the go through the Lexus app.
Like Tesla’s Trip Planner, the EV Routing feature enables you to find and navigate to charging stops on road trips, showing you the station name, address, hours of operation, charger type (Level 1, 2, or 3), availability, how many chargers are available, and the maximum output.
The EV Range Map works in conjunction with the best route based on the destination and the vehicle’s battery level.
To use the new EV Routing and EV Range Map features, however, you will need an active Drive Connect trial or subscription.
Other upgrades included with the Lexus Interface include a configurable home screen with widgets for navigation, drive mode, audio, and more, plus a new Lexus Voice Assistant and Drive Recorder that can automatically save up to five incident recordings.
The new 2026 Lexus ES EV is available in two grades: the ES 350e, a front-wheel-drive (FWD) model, and the ES 500e, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. It’s offered in Premium and Luxury trim options.
| 2026 Lexus ES trim | Starting Price* |
| ES 350e Premium | $48,795 |
| ES 500e Premium AWD | $51,795 |
| ES 350e Luxury | $57,195 |
| ES 500e Luxury AWD | $60,195 |
The base ES 350e Premium starts at $49,490 with an EPA-estimated driving range of 307 miles on a single charge.
Upgrading to the ES 350e Luxury costs $57,195. The luxury trim gains a premium 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, Panoramic View Monitor, and ambient lighting, while the AWD 500e Premium and Luxury models start at $51,795 and $60,195, respectively.
Like Toyota’s new electric SUVs, the new ES has a built-in NACS port for recharging at Tesla Superchargers. According to Lexus, the electric sedan can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Toyota also recently introduced Apple Maps EV Routing via Apple CarPlay for all 2023 and newer electric vehicles. All 2026 Toyota EVs, including the bZ, C-HR, and bZ Woodland, also now have Plug & Charge, so you don’t even have to pull your credit card or cash out.
After upgrading the bZ for the 2026 model year, with a longer driving range, improved charging, and added features, Toyota’s electric SUV became the third-best-selling EV in the US in the first quarter.
The 2026 Lexus RZ received similar upgrades and ranked eighth, just ahead of the Tesla Cybertruck and Cadillac Lyriq.
Ready to see one in person? We’re here to help. You can click the links below to find available Lexus and Toyota models in your area.
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