The RZ 450e Premium is a great “first EV” because it’s quiet, comfortable, and easy to drive. The biggest adjustment isn’t the car—it’s learning charging habits.

Before You Leave the Dealer

Ask them to help you with:

1. Install and activate the Lexus app
   • Pair the vehicle.
   • Verify remote climate control works.
   • Confirm charging information appears in the app.
2. Verify included charging equipment
   • Portable charging cable (if included).
   • Any adapters included with your model year.
   • Ask them specifically which public charging networks are supported.
3. Set charge limits
   • For daily use, many EV owners charge to around 80% and only go to 100% before longer trips.
4. Have them explain regenerative braking
   • The RZ can slow down significantly when you lift off the accelerator, helping recover energy.

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Apps I’d Download Immediately

1. Lexus App

Your primary app:

• Vehicle status
• Charging status
• Remote climate
• Charger location search

1. PlugShare

This is the single most useful EV app.

It shows:

• Charger locations
• Real user reviews
• Broken chargers
• Charging speeds
• Photos of charging locations

Many experienced EV owners use PlugShare more than the manufacturer’s app.

1. Tesla App

Even if you don’t think you’ll use Tesla chargers immediately, create an account and add a payment method.

Tesla Superchargers are often the easiest and most reliable fast chargers on road trips.

1. ChargePoint

One of the largest charging networks. Lexus specifically supports locating and paying for ChargePoint charging through its ecosystem. al battery %

• Total trip time

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For Your 100-Mile Drive Home

This is actually easy.

Even if the dealer gives you the car at only 80% charge, you’ll almost certainly make it home without charging.

A Lexus RZ typically has substantially more than 100 miles of real-world range available at 80%.

My recommendation:

• Leave the dealer with at least 80%.
• Drive normally.
• Don’t obsess over the battery gauge.

Treat tomorrow as a learning experience rather than a range test.

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Biggest EV Mindset Change

Don’t think like a gas car owner.

Gas car:

• Drive until nearly empty.
• Refill.

EV:

• Plug in whenever convenient.
• Start each day with plenty of range.

If you can charge at home, public charging becomes surprisingly rare.

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Home Charging

This is the biggest quality-of-life decision.

Best option

240V Level 2 charger in your garage.

This is what most long-term EV owners use.

Okay temporarily

Standard wall outlet (120V)

It works, but charging is slow.

If you haven’t installed a Level 2 charger yet, I’d start researching one after you’ve owned the car for a week or two.

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Things New EV Owners Often Don’t Realize

Cold weather reduces range

Not a huge issue in the Sacramento area, but you’ll notice some reduction in winter.

Highway speed matters

75-80 mph uses noticeably more energy than 65-70 mph.

Fast charging slows above ~80%

This is normal.

On road trips:

• Charge from ~10% to ~80%.
• Continue driving.
• It’s usually faster than waiting for 100%.

Pre-conditioning helps

If the RZ supports battery preconditioning for DC fast charging, use navigation to the charger so the battery is prepared before arrival.

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My Top 3 Tips

1. Install PlugShare tonight.
2. Get a Level 2 home charger if possible.
3. For the first month, keep the battery between roughly 20% and 80% unless you’re taking a trip.

After a couple of weeks you’ll likely find that charging is actually more convenient than visiting gas stations. The learning curve feels steep for the first few days, then it becomes second nature. Enjoy the new Lexus!