RAV4 EV Offers 100 Mile Pure Electric Range for $49,800

ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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has introduced the new fully electric RAV4 EVToyota Rav4 EVJapan, 2013 > present5 photos
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at the Electric Vehicle Symposium that will offer a 100 mile range for $49,800. The powertrain was developed over 20 months in coordination with Tesla. The car can be fully charged in about six hours from a 240v outlet. Toyota claims that the performance of the electric car is roughly equal to the RAV4 V6Toyota Rav4 Limited V6 4X2Japan, 2010 > present2 photos
. TeslaTeslaUnited States of America, 2003 > present4 models
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designed the battery and powertrain, and it will build them. 

The RAV4 EV is front-wheel drive with 154hp at 2,800rpm. It can accelerate in Sport Mode to 60mph in seven seconds with a top speed of 100mph. In the standard driving mode it will get to 60mph in 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 85mph. Toyota says that the RAV4 EV's 0.30 Cd drag co-efficient is the lowest of any SUV in the world. The batteries are mounted low in the center on the center of the truck to keep the center of gravity low.

In terms of styling, the EV has a unique front bumper, grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler and a flattened underbody to improve aerodynamics. To conserve power, the EV uses self-leveling LED low beam headlights with conventional halogen lights as high beams. It also has separate LED running lights and LED tail lights. To advertise the car's electric powertrain, Toyota has accented the doors, front and rear with emblems for the car in blue. 

The RAV4 EV will be available in Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl or Classic Silver Metallic. The interior will only be available with "Neutron" fabric that has blue accents. The rest of the interior is basically the same as the standard RAV4 with power seats, reclining rear seats and the same 73ft³ cargo space. It does get an 8in capacitive touch screen with Toyota's Entune service, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and Ipod connectivity. 

The EV goes on sale late this summer in Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Toyota has not said if it intends on introducing the car outside of California. 
Toyota thinks that it will be able to sell about 2,600 cars per year for the next three years. The battery has a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Toyota is also offering a an in-home 240v charging system from Levitron. 

“The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius. It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds," said Toyota Vice President Bob Carter.

The question with this car is if it is worth $49,800 to have just a 100 mile range? In terms of drivability, the EV is just as competent as the regular car. However, the short range, high price and 6 hour charge seem to be holding it back.