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Old 05-08-2012, 05:55 AM   #1
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Default Can You Hear A Fizzle? Toyota Reveals RAV4 EV For ONLY $49,800?

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Toyota Motor Sales, U.
S.A., Inc. today revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. This all-electric SUV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 100 miles and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6. Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800 the RAV4 EV doesn't compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

"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."


The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing an outstanding product to market in record time.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota's most popular SUV model. The collaborative team set its sights on refining the customer experience. From advanced charging options to interior comfort to interactive displays, the vehicle has been designed for customer ease of use and maximum vehicle range.

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 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP (115kW) @ 2,800 rpm.

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low center 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 gas powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design to maximize air flow around the vehicle. The RAV4 EV's battery pack is mounted low and to the center of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

On the exterior, RAV4 EV features upscale 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. Five vertical LEDs make up the daytime running lights, which dim to parking lights. The rear combination lights are LEDs accented by a unique light smoke outer lens. Other exterior variations from the gasoline powered RAV4 include new exterior emblems on the front, rear and the front door panel utilizing the signature Toyota "environmental blue."

The vehicle will be available later this year in three exterior colors: 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.

Inside, a six-way adjustable driver's seat includes variable front seat heaters, which extends heater coverage to the occupant's upper back. The split reclining rear seats with folding center arm rest fold flat for increased cargo space, with a total cargo capacity equivalent to the conventional RAV4 of 73 cu. ft. No interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.

The highlight of the interior is an eight-inch capacitive touch screen with a state of the art graphic display, featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings designed specifically for the RAV4 EV. Entune™ is standard (with three year complimentary access to Entune™ services) along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio (with 3-month trial subscription to XM Select package), AM/FM radio, Bluetooth® streaming audio, and USB port with iPod® connectivity. The dash display color illuminates red when the vehicle is operating in sport mode and blue in normal driving mode.

Toyota's approved electric vehicle supplier equipment provider is Leviton. Leviton offers multiple options for charging solutions. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. For more information visit Leviton.com/Toyota. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.

The RAV4 EV will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego. Sales volume is planned for approximately 2,600 units over the next three years. The battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles.

"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."

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012. Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility. Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise. In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.
TOYOTA/TESLA DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
  • May 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce collaboration to develop electric vehicles, parts, production systems and engineering support
  • July 2010 – Toyota/Tesla announce development of RAV4 EV
  • November 2010 – Toyota reveals RAV4 EV Phase Zero prototype at LA Auto Show
  • February 2011 – Tesla begins delivery of 31 converted RAV4 EV Phase Zero demonstration program vehicles
  • April 2011 – Toyota provides first media drive opportunity of Phase Zero demonstration program vehicle at 2011 Sustainable Mobility Seminar
  • August 2011 – Toyota/Tesla announce RAV4 EV manufacturing location - Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc., Woodstock, Ontario
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Old 05-08-2012, 07:00 AM   #2
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I wonder if it will actually be 100 miles, or a Nissan 100 miles meaning 73 when new and falling from there.
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Old 05-08-2012, 08:48 AM   #3
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Who is the target audience? Me, that's who. I want an EV with good factory support and enough room for a growing family. I bet I won't be alone, either, and that they'll sell every last one of the 2600 planned. Hell, the 1st gen RAV4 EVs with their NiMH packs are still trading for near $50k last I checked...

More photos and specs:









Key stats:

- 38.3" rear legroom, assuming 2012 dimensions, which is ample for rear-facing child seats
- 41.8 kWh of Tesla lithium-ion batteries powering a similarly Tesla-sourced 115 kW electric motor, good for 0-60 in 7 seconds and 100 miles of range
- 9.6 kW Level 2 charger, which implies that charging from empty will take 4.5 hours
- Available for outright sale to the public in "late summer 2012", assuming one lives in Sacramento, Bay Area, LA, or San Diego
- 2600 to be built over a 3 year run, which would more than double Tesla's cumulative production

If I'm lucky then Toyota will expand sales to the Seattle metro region by summer 2013. If not, then we will fly down to Cali, buy one in the Bay Area, and truck it back home, Consumer Reports-style.
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Old 05-08-2012, 08:49 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by sxotty View Post
I wonder if it will actually be 100 miles, or a Nissan 100 miles meaning 73 when new and falling from there.
It weighs about 1.2x that of the Leaf, as best as I can piece together. Its Cd is 0.30, only a touch higher than the Leaf's 0.29. Frontal area should be (very) roughly comparable. Therefore I'd guess it would indeed have a greater range, as 41.8 kWh/24 kWh ~= 1.7.
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Old 05-08-2012, 09:45 AM   #5
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yay tesla!!
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Old 05-08-2012, 10:22 AM   #6
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yay tesla!!
Yup. This deal coming to fruition should mean that the Model S and X should see the light of day as production models.
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Old 05-08-2012, 10:32 AM   #7
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sounds like a little shikataganai is coming, congrads
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Old 05-08-2012, 11:37 AM   #8
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sounds like a little shikataganai is coming, congrads
Nothing cooking quite yet. We're trying, though.
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Old 05-08-2012, 12:08 PM   #9
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Sounds like you've done a lot of research. What's the financial aspect look like? I assume it'll never really pay for itself, so the question would be how much do you have to pay to have the coolest toy on the block?
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Old 05-08-2012, 12:37 PM   #10
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What is the range once the vehicle is loaded up with 5 passengers and cargo like any other SUV?
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Old 05-08-2012, 12:38 PM   #11
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an electric SUV is the coolest toy on the block? yikes...
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Old 05-08-2012, 12:59 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Rootus View Post
Sounds like you've done a lot of research. What's the financial aspect look like? I assume it'll never really pay for itself, so the question would be how much do you have to pay to have the coolest toy on the block?
A lot of people buying EVs are well off and get them as third/forth vehicles. They will buy this as a tool to get groceries, or something to drive their 2.5 kids back and forth to private school every day. When anyone ask them about the car, they will tell them it is "SSSOOO NICE!"

Then those same people will hop in their V8 Yukon and get 12 MPG anytime they want to drive further than 15 miles from their house. But they won't care, because if you can drop $50K on a spare EV, you can afford to put gas in the Yukon.

Granted some people do buy EVs and use them as their only vehicle, however I think those are in the minority compared to people buying one as a lifestyle car.

Last edited by ocellaris; 05-08-2012 at 01:06 PM.
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Old 05-08-2012, 01:19 PM   #13
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an electric SUV is the coolest toy on the block? yikes...
Hit the little X on the top of your browser, this thread ain't for you.
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Old 05-08-2012, 01:45 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by shikataganai View Post
Who is the target audience? Me, that's who. I want an EV with good factory support and enough room for a growing family.
I find this very interesting, as I've always thought the ideal consumer for an EV in the near to mid term is as a commuter. A two car family could have the kid hauler that is capable of road trips, and the other car could be an EV. Easy enough to do most peoples commutes well within a 75 or 100 mile range, and easy enough to plug in every night to recharge.

In any event, I find the renewed interest in EV's interesting and think it is a good thing.
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Old 05-08-2012, 01:52 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Rootus
Sounds like you've done a lot of research. What's the financial aspect look like? I assume it'll never really pay for itself, so the question would be how much do you have to pay to have the coolest toy on the block?
It'll never pay off in a strict financial sense compared to its gas equivalents, but in another sense it has no equivalents since the Tesla Model X remains vaporware at the moment. With the $7500 Federal tax credit, Washington State sales and use tax exemption (9.1% in Seattle iirc), and cheap per mile costs on the order of 2 cents it'll probably be more akin to a $35 or $40k gas SUV in overall costs.

My wife and I are ok with that level of outlay, and, most importantly, we are both psyched about the prospect. We will hang onto her Prius + my Zipcar membership for long trips, and only time will tell how much we rely on them as a crutch. I do know that when I didn't have a car of my own in 2008-2009 I used Zipcar for all of 22 hours in total over a 15 month period.
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Old 05-08-2012, 02:02 PM   #16
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I predict this will sell well to 2 car households with kids. One gas SUV, one electric SUV.
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Old 05-08-2012, 02:05 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Stanley
I find this very interesting, as I've always thought the ideal consumer for an EV in the near to mid term is as a commuter. A two car family could have the kid hauler that is capable of road trips, and the other car could be an EV. Easy enough to do most peoples commutes well within a 75 or 100 mile range, and easy enough to plug in every night to recharge.

In any event, I find the renewed interest in EV's interesting and think it is a good thing.
That's clearly what Nissan thought, too, when they packaged the Leaf: for the solo driver it'd make a better commuter car. The market seems to agree as well, with the projected sales for this Tesla mashup over 3 years several times less than the (still small) number of Leafs already sold.

In my household, at least, a bigger EV would make more sense. At least while I'm in Seattle I will most definitely not be in a car to commute, instead traveling the 12 miles to work astride my electric bike or seated on a bus. Parking and traffic are expensive and a bitch, respectively, regardless of one's vehicle's source of propulsion. Therefore my wife would be the main driver, and with kids in our future plans her vehicle would have to be capable of both carting her to work and dropping the future offspring off at school (as per the stereotype above).
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Old 05-08-2012, 06:57 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by shikataganai View Post
It'll never pay off in a strict financial sense compared to its gas equivalents, but in another sense it has no equivalents since the Tesla Model X remains vaporware at the moment. With the $7500 Federal tax credit, Washington State sales and use tax exemption (9.1% in Seattle iirc), and cheap per mile costs on the order of 2 cents it'll probably be more akin to a $35 or $40k gas SUV in overall costs.

My wife and I are ok with that level of outlay, and, most importantly, we are both psyched about the prospect. We will hang onto her Prius + my Zipcar membership for long trips, and only time will tell how much we rely on them as a crutch. I do know that when I didn't have a car of my own in 2008-2009 I used Zipcar for all of 22 hours in total over a 15 month period.
Or you could get a 25K Limited RAV4 and save a ****-ton and have the same vehicle. You could even spend the leftover money on a rickshaw when the family wont fit on the electric bike. This way, you won't be eating my tax dollars for feel-good 'eco-friendlyness'.
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Old 05-08-2012, 07:14 PM   #19
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Or you could get a 25K Limited RAV4 and save a ****-ton and have the same vehicle. You could even spend the leftover money on a rickshaw when the family wont fit on the electric bike. This way, you won't be eating my tax dollars for feel-good 'eco-friendlyness'.
You mad?
Feds have been subsidizing energy and transportation for over 100 years, and you're just now realizing this?
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Old 05-08-2012, 07:14 PM   #20
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Or you could get a 25K Limited RAV4 and save a ****-ton and have the same vehicle. You could even spend the leftover money on a rickshaw when the family wont fit on the electric bike. This way, you won't be eating my tax dollars for feel-good 'eco-friendlyness'.[sic]
Your money is yours to spend as you wish, and my money is similarly mine. With regard to allocation of tax dollars, feel free to vote in your local elections.
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Old 05-08-2012, 08:30 PM   #21
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Regular RAV and $25,000 in gas, or electric RAV with 100 mile range? Hmmmm......
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Old 05-08-2012, 08:58 PM   #22
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Originally Posted by shikataganai View Post
It weighs about 1.2x that of the Leaf, as best as I can piece together. Its Cd is 0.30, only a touch higher than the Leaf's 0.29. Frontal area should be (very) roughly comparable. Therefore I'd guess it would indeed have a greater range, as 41.8 kWh/24 kWh ~= 1.7.
I was looking (lazily) for the pack size. It wasn't in the original post.

EV
$50k = 41.8 = k$1.19/kWh
$35k = 24 = k$1.45/kWh

PHEV
$40K = 16 = k$2.5
$35K=4.8 = k$7.3

In other words it isn't so outlandish. I actually agree that this is more like a vehicle I would want, but I want a PHEV at the moment. By the time I get around to a new vehicle though perhaps an EV like this will be more worthwhile.
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Old 05-08-2012, 09:20 PM   #23
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Regular RAV and $25,000 in gas, or electric RAV with 100 mile range? Hmmmm......
I always find it amusing that people on a car forum complain that EVs don't pay for themselves. Why didn't you just buy a base model Legacy instead of that EVO? It saves a ton on gas, the interior is way nicer, it's quieter, plus maintenance is much cheaper. You'd have to be a damn fool to pay more for a smaller car that gets worse gas mileage!
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Old 05-08-2012, 09:41 PM   #24
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That's true but a simple car and a performance car are no the same thing. One offers far more fun. Sure I will agree that passion is usually the reason we buy one car over another. But it would seem there is no real reason to buy an Electric RAV 4 when a gas powered one will perform identically and cost half as much. It's like your choosing to pay twice as much for the same or really less performance. You can drive a regular rav 4 across the country.

Still it's your money and if electric vehicles get you off and make you smile then plug in and smile!

I love to drive a 42 year old car with triple weber carbs!
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Old 05-08-2012, 11:06 PM   #25
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You mad?
Feds have been subsidizing energy and transportation for over 100 years, and you're just now realizing this?
No, I just think shikataganai is just an alternate screen name for H2BS
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