Toyota has unveiled the highly anticipated all-new RAV4 EV for the American market.
As we previewed here, the RAV4 EV SUV has taken centre stage at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, USA.
The all-electric version of our popular 4×4 has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and a charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.
“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota USA. “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.”
First demonstrated in concept form in 2010, the RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration between Toyota and Tesla Motors. Encouraged by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota and Tesla engineers have brought the product to market in a record twenty-two months.
The front-wheel drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 0-60mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154hp (115kW) @ 2,800rpm.
RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low centre of gravity. In fact, at 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world.
Compared with the petrol-powered RAV4, Toyota has restyled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under-body design to maximize airflow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the centre of the vehicle, contributing to a more saloon-like ride.
The RAV4 EV will go on sale in the US in late summer 2012, initially in just four major California markets. There are currently no plans to launch the vehicle in the UK and Europe.
“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 the performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds.”
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
I have an 8 year old Rav4 and love it. I made the conscious decision to replace my Rav with a new one with the one condition that it is environmentally friendly!
This electric Rav looks amazing and I would definitely be interested in purchasing one in the UK.
However, I need to be able to travel 250 miles regularly and the journey would be impossible with the charge time.
I know that other manufacturers are developing much further distance from their batteries without charge and dearly hope that next gen Rav’s will be the same.
Thank you so much for bringing this car to the market. I look forward to hearing more on the UK market.
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for your post and we are delighted to read that you love your RAV4! The new RAV4 EV will only be available in a few states in America and we aren’t looking to bring this US model to the UK however, that said, we will continue to build on our technology making it forever more efficient and green. Keep checking back to our blog, Facebook (www.facebook.com/ToyotaUK) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ToyotaGB) pages for all the latest news on our range including hybrid and EV (Electric Vehicle) technology! Many thanks and kind regards.
Rachel Adams says:
May 8, 2012 at 17:57
That’s such a shame. Do you know why it won’t be launched here in the uk? So many of us are thinking about the environment. I’m sure it would sell brilliantly.
I suppose I could always think of importing one.
Thanks for the info.
Kind regards
Reply
That’s such a shame. Do you know why it won’t be launched here in the uk? So many of us are thinking about the environment. I’m sure it would sell brilliantly.
I suppose I could always think of importing one.
Thanks for the info.
Kind regards
Hi Rachel,
The RAV4 EV is currently only sold in the US with no plans to introduce it into the UK. In the UK we have launched the new Prius Plug-in which offers the benefits of EV, with silent drive and zero emissions in the city, but none of the downsides of limited performance or driving range. We feel this model fits better with the current infrastructure in the UK however, we do plan to extend our range of EV models. We hope this helps.
The Prius plug in is rather expensive compared to how it is priced in the USA even when you take into account the 10% import duty and 20% vat.
The RAV4 would sell in the UK if it was priced right.
I also do understand how the plug in Prius fits better with currect UK infrastructure considering America’s have longer average commutes than we do here and EV charging sockets are rapidly becoming available.
I get the impression that America, despite its love of gas guzzlers is the place for Electric cars, whereas in the UK the want for them is fizzling out due to the high costs – despite our high petrol prices.
I have had 3 RAV4’s and on my third, maybe a hybrid but not all electric in the UK please, and maybe a diesel/hybrid. Its a great car Toyota, but please do something more with the styling and interior, nothing matches the ride, reliability and driving experience but its looking drab now – some imagination please inside and out to a great vehicle! I love the RAV but it needs updating now! Thanks
Think you are right, a diesel hybrid would be brilliant. I could easily get my longer journeys done without the worry of a six hour charge every 100 miles!
I think this is an excellent move by Toyota, but too much worry is placed on infrastructure for EV’s, the facts are that most charging is done at home and we all travel less than 25 miles each day on average. Fossil fuels are only going up in price so we need to change our mindset about how we travel.
Yes, those travelling regularly long distances will need a hybrid right now but the data shows majority of us could happily use a modern EV.
Bring it to the UK!
Please. 🙂
I agree. Think the general public don’t have the ear of the manufacturers. Perhaps they think we want something we don’t. And vice versa.
I don’t know if this will get deleted but Toyota is in partnership with Tesla, and Tesla are releasing an electric car with range options of 160, 230 and 300 miles and will be priced similar to a BMW 5 series.
Unfortunately the manufacturers think Europeans want small cars, but we only drive those because we can’t afford petrol. Give us electric cars that we want, not what you think we want.
If you read the UK electric car forums, you’ll find that it isn’t just Toyota not giving the actual customers what they actually want. 🙁
Bring it to the UK!
I would buy one now if it was available in the UK! I am desperately wanting to change to electric but want a car suitable for a family and a rather large dog and most of the current electric cars on the market just aren’t suitable 🙁
Hi Rachel, have you tried our hybrid RAV4 yet? If you like, we can help to arrange a test drive at your local Toyota dealer? Thanks.