2011 Toyota Debuts RAV4 Electric Vehicle

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) debuted currently a second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV during a news discussion during a Los Angeles Auto Show. A sum of 35 vehicles will be built for a proof and analysis module by 2011, aiming during marketplace attainment of a fully-engineered car in 2012. The fully-engineered car will have a aim operation of 100 miles in tangible highway pushing patterns, in a far-reaching operation of climates and conditions. ”When we motionless to work together on a RAV4 EV, President Akio Toyoda wanted to adopt a new growth indication that incorporated Tesla’s streamlined, quick-action approach,” pronounced Jim Lentz, boss and arch handling officer, TMS. “The outcome was a hybrid – a new preference and capitulation routine and a growth character that the engineers impute to as “fast and flexible.”

The first-generation Toyota RAV4 EV went into production in 1997. Powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, it had a real world driving range of 80-110 miles on a single charge. 1,484 vehicles were sold or leased in the U.S., and more than half of those are still on the road today.

The second-generation RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle represents an important milestone in Toyota’s unique collaboration project with Tesla. A key aspect of the partnership is to establish a new product development model that incorporates Tesla’s streamlined, quick-action approach. Under this new process, Tesla is responsible for supplying the powertrain and related components according to Toyota engineering specifications while Toyota works to seamlessly integrate the powertrain.

In comparison to the RAV4 V6, the RAV4 EV electric powertrain adds 220 pounds, yet the rate of acceleration is nearly equal. Actual real world driving range is approximately 100 miles from a full battery charge. The demonstration vehicle features distinct exterior styling changes, including a new front bumper, grille, head lamps, fog lamps, and 18” alloy wheels. The interior received custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, push-button shifter and dashboard meters. The RAV4 platform brings a 73-cubic-foot cargo area with rear seats folded down – no cargo space was lost in the conversion to an electric powertrain. The technical features and appearance of the RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle will serve as targets for the fully engineered, market-ready vehicle, expected to launch in 2012.