Toyota and Tesla to Build RAV4 EV in Canada

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Toyota and Tesla have announced plans to produce the RAV4 electric-vehicle at Toyota’s plant Woodstock, Ontario starting in 2012.

“The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control,” said Ray Tanguay, TMMC Chairman, who hosted Canadian officials at the plant today and thanked them for their support. “This is a great example of Toyota’s determination to collaborate with companies with leading edge technology.”

Toyota is paying Tesla $100 million to supply the electric powertrain, which includes the battery, motor, gear box and power electronics for the RAV4 EV. Telsa’s powertrains will be produced in Palo Alto, California and then be shipped to Toyota’s plant in Canada.

Toyota hasn’t announced the exact on sale date for the RAV4 EV, but it will launch sometime in 2012.

There are also reports that Toyota is in talks with Tesla over a future $1 billion deal.