RAV4 EV (Japan, 2010)

Toyota presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show its second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV. The brand scheduled the vehicle's market launch for 2012. Developed with the collaboration of Tesla, the new RAV4 EV has a total of 35 vehicles built for a demonstration and evaluation program through 2011. These vehicles will help engineers make the final developments for the arrival to the market in 2012, aiming at a range of 100 miles in actual road driving patterns.

In the development of the electric RAV4, Tesla was responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other related parts, that meet Toyota engineering specifications. Toyota kept the responsibility of developing and manufacturing the vehicle to fit the electric engine. The current test vehicle is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. Nevertheless, decisions on the battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle haven’t been taken yet.

In terms of styling, the RAV4 EV has suffered some changes when compared to the RAV4 production model. Distinct features include a new front bumper, grille, fog lamps and head lamps. The EV version also shows a special badging, with the custom “mutually exclusive” paint color, completing the transformation.

The RAV4 EV history goes back to 1997, when Toyota introduced the first-generation into the market as part of the California zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. At the time the RAV4 EV was powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and had a a range of between 80-110 miles on a single charge. Between 1998 and 2003 Toyota managed to sell or lease 1,484 vehicles in the US, today, there are still 746 first-generation RAV4 EVs on the road.