Toyota Officially Unveils the 2012 RAV4 EV – Powered by Tesla

Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The RAV4 EV is the result of the collaboration between Toyota and Tesla.

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Toyota has taken the wraps off the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. The RAV4 EV is the result of the collaboration between Toyota and Tesla. Toyota claims that the all-electric RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. It also has an expected driving range of approximately 100 miles and can be recharged in as little as six hours using a 240V charger.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “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.”

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On the outside the RAV4 EV looks almost identical to the combustion engine powered RAV4 with the exception of a few body parts that have been restyled to make the RAV4 EV more aerodynamic. The front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body have all been re-styled to maximize air flow around the vehicle.

The front of the RAV4EV also gets LED low beam projector headlights with halogen projector high beams. A manual leveling system allows customers to redirect the headlights when the vehicle changes significantly in pitch due to a heavy load.Out back the rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens.

Under the hood the RAV4 EV is powered by a Tesla designed and produced battery and 154-hp electric powertrain. Drivers can choose between two driving modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the RAV4 EV reaches 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode is a tad slower with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds with a top speed of 85 mph.

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Buyers will be able to choose from three exterior colors when the RAV4 EV is available later this year: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic. The interior features a unique “Neutron” fabric, woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent, on the seat inserts and door trim.

The interior of the RAV4 EV is the same size as the gasoline powered RAV4 with a total cargo capacity of 73 cu. ft. The interior also gets an eight-inch capacitive touch screen that features navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV.

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The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 starting at $49,800 before any state or federal tax credits. Initially it will go on sale in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Toyota plans on only selling 2,600 units over the next three years.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Carter. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds.”

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