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About the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid
The Lexus RC 300h Hybrid was first introduced as a 2020 model and is considered a compact executive hybrid coupe. According to Lexus, RC stands for “Radical Coupe” and borrows styling from the LF-LC concept.
| Horsepower | 220 bhp |
| Torque @ 4200 rpm | 163 lb-ft 221 Nm |
| Battery | 230.4V Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
| Gasoline Engine | 2.5L I4 |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic |
| Electric Motors | Single 105 kW |
| Combined MPG | 47 MPG (US) 5 L/100 Km 56 MPG (UK) |
| Range | 820 miles 1320 km |
| Curb Weight | 3594 lbs 1630 kg |
| 0 to 60 mph | 8.5 seconds |
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid FAQ
What vehicles compete with the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid?
- Infiniti Q50 Hybrid
- Audi A5
- BMW 4 Series
How do I identify a Lexus RC 300h?
By Vin Number
A Lexus RC300h is identified by the first 8 alphanumeric characters JTHHH5BC.
You can also identify a RC 300h in the following ways:
- “RC300h” logo on the trunk door.
- Logos on the rocker molding.
- Fuel filler door is located on the left rear quarter.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Batteries
Drive Battery | 12V Battery | Key Fob Battery
Drive Battery / Traction Battery
The Lexus RC 300h Hybrid nickel metal hydride battery is made up of smaller, sealed battery packs, similar to those that you might find powering various electric tools and other products.
Drive Battery Specs
| Battery Type | Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) |
| Battery Voltage | 230.4 V |
Drive Battery FAQs
How much do Lexus RC 300h Hybrid replacement drive batteries cost?
It is difficult to judge the price of a Lexus RC 300h Hybrid replacement battery, but based on other Lexus models, you should expect to pay around $2500 for a refurbished battery. From the dealership, a brand new replacement battery could cost around $5000-6000. None of these prices include labor, shipping, and taxes.
Where do I purchase a Lexus RC 300h Hybrid replacement drive battery?
The Dealership – Likely the best place to find a replacement drive battery for the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid is the Lexus dealer themselves.
eBay – One of the best places to find gently used batteries for the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid is eBay. Cars that have been wrecked or written off as a total loss can still have good batteries.
Check eBay for Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Drive Batteries
Where is the drive battery located in the Lexus RC 300h?
The drive battery in the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid is located under the trunk floor and can be accessed by removing the floor panel in the trunk.
Drive Battery Charging
To charge the drive battery in the lexus RC 300h, simply start the engine. The gasoline engine also serves as a generator, and charges the drive battery under normal driving conditions.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Charge-Port Location
There is no charge port on the Lexus RC 300h as the drive battery is charged by the gasoline engine while driving.
12V Battery
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V Battery Location
The Lexus RC 300h Hybrid’s 12V battery is located in the trunk area, to the left when facing inward.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V Battery Replacement
Tools Required
Step-by-Step Lexus RC 300h 12V Battery Replacement Instructions
- Gain access to the inside of the RC 300h’s trunk, and remove the interior panel to the left
- Disengage the two “claws” that hold closed the battery terminal cap and open.
- Loosen the nut and disconnect the cable from the positive (+) 12V battery terminal.
- Remove the nut and battery clamp assembly.
- Remove the bolt and battery hold-down clamp assembly.
- Disconnect the battery vent hose from the auxiliary battery.
- Remove the auxiliary battery.
- Install in reverse order
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V Battery Terminal Maintenance
Maintaining your Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V battery terminals is necessary to ensure a positive electrical contact over time. We recommend cleaning terminals and using a terminal protectant spray to prevent corrosion on your battery terminals.
CRC Battery Cleaner w/ Acid Detector will clean your battery terminals and surface, neutralizing acids and detecting leaks.
CRC Battery Terminal Protector Spray is designed to protect battery terminals from corrosion, a leading cause of hard starting and battery failure.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V Battery Testing, Maintenance and Repair
Battery testers are an easy, inexpensive way to save yourself time in repairing your Lexus RC 300h Hybrid. A healthy 12V battery will read 12.6 -12.8 volts when tested. Anything lower, and you may want to look at replacing your batteries or checking the battery fluid levels.
How to charge the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V battery
You can charge the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid with a normal 12V charger. If you remove the under-hood fuse/relay box cover you’ll notice posts that are tied together electrically, to which you can clamp the positive (+) cable. You can then ground to any convenient place nearby the box.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid 12V Battery Chargers
| Battery Charger | Where to Purchase? |
| NOCO GENIUS 10 (12V & 6V) 10A Smart Car Battery Charger | Amazon |
| Battery Tender Junior 12V 750 mA Charger and Maintainer | Amazon |
| OptiMATE Lithium 4s 0.8A, TM-471 Battery Saving Charger & Maintainer | Amazon |
Jump starting a Lexus RC 300h Hybrid
If your Lexus RC 300h 12V battery has died, you can still access the vehicle as long as you have the key fob. Check out the following video to learn to jump start a Lexus RC300h Hybrid:
14 Gauge Jumper Wires are a great solution for modern hybrids, as most do not require the bulky jumper wires that have traditionally been used in older vehicles.
Shop 14 Gauge Jumper Wires on Amazon
A jump box can also be a life-saver! If you do not have another vehicle to jump your car from, you’ll want to look at getting a jump box. Here are a few that come highly recommended on Amazon:
| ZunDian Battery Jump Starter with Air Compressor Car Tire Inflator, Portable Power Station 110V, 1600 Amp, 400W Power Inverter USB DC AC Outlet | Amazon | $$$ |
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box | Amazon | $$ |
| BUTURE Car Battery Jump Starter 2500A Jump Box (8.5L Gas/8.0L Diesel) | Amazon | $ |
Remote Key Fob Battery
The Lexus RC 300h Hybrid key fob uses a CR2032 3V lithium battery.
Find CR2032 3V Lithium Batteries on Amazon
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Drivetrain
The RC300h Hybrid contains a gasoline engine and electric motor for power. The two hybrid power sources combine to result in improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric vehicle, the RC300h never needs to be recharged from an external electric power source.
Depending on the driving conditions one or both sources are used to power the vehicle. The RC300h operates in various driving modes:
- Light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is primarily powered by the electric motor and the gasoline engine is off.
- Driving normally, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine. The same engine also powers the generator to recharge the battery.
- Full acceleration, such as while climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor power the vehicle.
- Deceleration, and when braking, the vehicle will regenerate kinetic energy from the rear wheels to produce electricity and uses that to recharge the battery pack.
- While stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor are off, however the vehicle remains on and operational, ready to go at the press of the accelerator
Electric Motor
162 kW, Permanent Magnet Motor (Hong Kong)
164 kW, Permanent Magnet Motor (non-Hong Kong)
| Electric Motor Peak Output | 164 kW 220 hp |
| Electric Motor Torque | 221 lb-ft 300 Nm |
Gasoline Engine
The gasoline powerplant in the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid is a 2.5L 2AR-FSE I4 engine.
Read about the 2AR-FSE on Wikipedia
| Gasoline Engine Displacement | 2.5L 152.2 cu-in |
| Gasoline Engine Power @6000 RPM | 220 hp 164 kW |
| Gasoline Engine Torque | 163 lb-ft 221 N-m |
FAQs
What type and grade of gasoline does the Lexus RC 300h Hybrid use?
Lexus recommends premium gasoline, 91 octane or higher, for use in the RC300h.
What is the fuel capacity in the Lexus RC 300h?
The fuel capacity in the 2015-2018 Lexus RC 300h is 17.4 gallons, or 66 liters.
Transmission
The Lexus RC 300h Hybrid uses an automatic CVT transmission.
Join a Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Community
ClubLexus.com: RC Models – A large forum dedicated to Lexus RC owners and enthusiasts.
Reddit.com/r/Lexus/ – A subreddit just for Lexus enthusiasts, including the RC300h.
Reddit.com/r/ElectricVehicles – This is the Reddit community for EV owners and enthusiasts. Discuss evolving technology, new entrants, charging infrastructure, government policy, and the ins and outs of EV ownership right here.
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Reviews
Dive into the details of the Lexus RC 300h and discover what sets it apart from the competition with the following video reviews:
Lexus RC 300h Hybrid Manuals and Literature
Lexus RC 300h Dismantling Manual – A guide developed to educate and assist dismantlers in the safe handling of Lexus RC300h gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.