Vehicle Overview
Toyota partnered with Tesla on the 2013 RAV4 EV; it paid the electric car company to supply the RAV4 EV’s powertrain, including the battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics.
The RAV4 EV will be available in front-wheel drive only and use an electric powertrain with a maximum output of 154 horsepower. Toyota expects the RAV4 EV to have a driving range of around 100 miles and a charging time of about six hours on a 240-volt charger.
The electric version looks a lot like the gas-powered RAV4. Minor exterior tweaks include a restyled front bumper, updated upper and lower grille, new side mirrors, a unique rear spoiler and under-body tweaks designed to maximize air flow. Also new are LED head- and taillights. It’ll be available in three new EV-specific colors: Blizzard White Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Classic Silver Metallic.
Inside, shiny blue-accented woven fabric trims the cabin. Standard equipment includes heated front seats, an 8-inch touch-screen with navigation, the Entune multimedia system, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port. Also, Toyota says the RAV4 EV’s battery doesn’t steal any cabin space and its cargo capacity is the same as the regular model: 73 cubic feet.
Availability will be limited initially; it’ll only be on sale at select dealerships in California. Toyota hopes to sell around 2,600 RAV4 EVs during the next three years.
