Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

It's not “Who” Killed the Electric Car, It's called “What” Killed the Electric Car and it turns out to be the price :ccry:

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 7, 2012

2013 RAV4 EV - $49,800 to start with a 100-mile All-Electric Range (AER) promised.

A simple PR with huge impact was released by Toyota as they revealed their all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles this morning. The SUV BEV has a not yet certified driving range of approximately 100 miles and charging time of six hours on a Level 2 240V/40A charger. The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equivalent to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6.

The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors taking just 22 months after the project announcement.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s most popular SUV model. 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 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph. Normal mode achieves 60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 85 mph. Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 154 HP @ 2,800 rpm.

I can attest that the RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride even in the early prototypes I have driven previously. Wind noise is subdued thanks to a Cd of just 0.30, 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 Leviton will offer multiple options for charging. For the shortest charge time of approximately six hours, Leviton offers a custom 240V (Level 2), 40A, 9.6 kW output charging station. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) 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.

Even if you were to select a fully loaded RAV4 Limited with the 3.5L, 4x4, Navigation package and mats for passengers and cargo ($33,230 including D&H), the RAV4 EV still comes in at a hefty $16,570 USD more. That is a lot of gasoline purchases vs. electricity consumption to consider over the next 10-years…

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

Its the ultimate in green luxury, until the Tesla S comes out.. I think they will easily sell all of them. Exciting times for BEV lovers.

6 hours charge time at 9.6kW implies a 51kWh battery pack, twice that of a Leaf or Focus.. 100 miles should be trivially easy.

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

$50K??? That's a lot of scratch to go 100 miles.

Is it one of the CA "compliance" vehicles?

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

Apparently its one of the compliance vehicles due to the low numbers, there is some suspicion that it will be lease only also.. but if they announce a price then why not sell it?.

it would be nice if Toyota/Tesla kept it going... Tesla can use the money.

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

The 1st Gen RAV4 EV cost $42k in 2002. But, I believe there were even larger incentives.

Of course. Although I expect there will be some CA residents who'll be happen to see them.

EDIT: Hey, it's another electric car for actual sale, not a lease with no option to buy!

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

It sounds like a compliance vehicle - outside CA won't see it.

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

For the extra 7500, the Model S would get my dinero. More range, faster, nicer looking too.

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

if you can get it at that price

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

I wonder what the owner's manual will say in regards to towing capacity?

Re: Want a RAV4 EV? Request a Base and Add $27,150 USD to It
 

Supposedly 38kWh usable capacity, so maybe 300 miles of range in good hands. Leaf has about 22, Volt about 10, iMiev ???