Toyota RAV4 EV launched

The new all-electric Toyota RAV4 EV has been revealed at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.

Developed in partnership with electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Motors - who supply the battery and powertrain system - the project has taken just twenty-two months to come to fruition.

Toyota RAV4 EV (2012) Front Side

The front-wheel drive RAV4 EV is powered by a 154 bhp (115 kW / 156 PS) electric motor, which delivers a zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) when in Sport mode. Switch to the more battery-friendly Normal mode and naturally those figures worsen, albeit to a still respectable 8.6 seconds and 85 mph (136 km/h).

Toyota is being rather vague on range, but the estimate is around 100 miles (160 kilometres). Recharge time for the 41.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is expected to be approximately six hours using a 240 V / 40A charger, proving that the process is getting quicker. Realistically, it’s still an overnight job though.

Toyota RAV4 EV (2012) Dashboard

Changes compared to the gasoline RAV4 include redesigned front grilles, a new front bumper, a restyled rear spoiler and a modified under-body, all of which improve the aerodynamics. On the inside, there’s an eight-inch touch screen that’s used for showing the battery state as well as controlling the navigation and telematics systems.

Sales of the RAV4 EV are due to begin this summer, but initially they will be restricted to four dealers in California. The suggested retail price is $49,800, plus Toyota’s standard $810 destination charge for small and medium SUVs.

Toyota RAV4 EV (2012) Rear Side

Given that a regular RAV4 costs from $22,650 to $25,330, buyers will be paying about double for going electric. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Toyota’s volume expectations of 2,600 units over the next three years are modest, and the firm reckons that most customers will be early technology adopters.

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2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrid

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