Toyota’s back in the EV SUV game. You may remember the RAV4 EV from the late 1990’s – they’re still around, decidedly less futuristic-looking than they once were. The new RAV4 EV is much more stylish and tastefully executed than Toyota’s previous go-around with the all-electric SUV, and as a result of Toyota’s partnership with Tesla Motors, the battery technology behind this extraordinary vehicle is state-of-the-art. The RAV4 EV has a range of approximately 100 miles while able to achieve a full charge in as little as 6 hours on a 240V charger, and reach speeds of up to 100 mph in Sport mode (and 85 mph in Normal mode). The electric powertrain produces a healthy 154 HP and a mysterious amount of torque (Toyota hasn’t announced it yet, but seeing as how the RAV4 EV can sprint from 0-60 in 7.0 seconds, it’s probably somewhere in the mid-200 lb.ft. range).
Inside the RAV4 EV you’ll find an eight-inch touch screen that displays navigation, telematics, EV drive info and Toyota’s Entune system. The interior is upholstered in a unique “Neutron” fabric that is woven with a subtle sheen and blue accent. Interior volume is uncompromised by the vehicle’s EV componentry and retains the gasoline-powered RAV4’s 73 cubic-feet of space. Outside, the RAV4 EV receives distinct styling cues to separate it from its gas-burning brethren by way of a re-worked front grille treatment that features the “EV” logo, and the halogen reflector headlights have been replaced by LED projector units. Also a dead giveaway for the EV is the lack of a tail pipe or rear mounted spare tire.
Sale of the RAV4 EV will be restricted to four select major California markets that include Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles/Orange County, and San Diego with a price tag of $49,800.
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Source – Toyota USA Newsroom
Image/Video Credit – Toyota USA Newsroom
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