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Toyota RAV4 to go electric
Image Gallery (2 images)Toyota’s recently announced relationship with Tesla looks set to bear offspring already, as the two companies have signed an agreement to initiate the development of an electric version of the RAV4. In keeping with Toyota’s previously stated aim of selling EVs in America by 2012, prototypes will be made combining the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain. The first prototype has been built and is already undergoing testing by Tesla with the intention of delivering a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation this year.
In May, Tesla and TMC announced their intent to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla’s EV technology, daring spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility.
Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars for mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components, and is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production.
Weren't all-electric Toyota Rav4s available in the 'States years ago? I seem to remember Tom Hanks and various other celebs driving around in them and banging on about how good they were.... A Tesla version should be even more impressive.
Mike Hallett
- July 19, 2010 @ 12:47 pm PDT
I am always surprized when a company wants to go green by building a supercar that only the elite can afford. The mentality it takes to charge a million dollars for a car by claiming it is the best, or even in the top ten baffels the mind. I love the lotus elise, and the electric version that came out about 7 years ago was fantastic, now tesla is copying that and selling it for a bundle of money, well good for them. Not for us. We need a voltswagon, a car for the people and that seems to be the new goal for Toyota's electric division and now with Tesla also, so I am happy over that. What remains is the price and the range.
I know that there is off the shelf technology and batteries as well to give an electric a 200 mile range, and I also know it only takes about 20 horsepower to run a car down the road at 65 miles an hour continuously. So I would like to see a modest priced high efficient disc motor, perhaps two or even four with a rating of about 30 to 40 horsepower with a peak of 120 to 200 and a range of 200 or more in an electric car...not a stupid looking box... for under 20,000 dollars. And photo-voltaics have become less expensive and more efficient and can add 30 to 40 miles per day. Can we see that, please?
Ronald Wade Cooper
- August 2, 2010 @ 10:11 pm PDT
What a great achievement. Amazing Toyota RAV4 to go electric. Cool, the RAV4 EV is back!
Facebook User
- October 12, 2010 @ 02:53 am PDT
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Cool, the RAV4 EV is back! Actually I am sure it is a different design as far as the electric propulsion is concerned. Too bad Toyota didn't keep producing the RAV4 EV. The owner I talked to back then, really liked it. Good luck Toyota!