Toyota unveils Electric SUV RAV4

Toyota Motor Sales, USA., revealed the highly anticipated all-new Toyota RAV4 EV at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, on monday. 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 and has a consumer price tag of $49,800, Toyota said.
 
''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 it to the market in record time.
 
The vehicle combines a Tesla-designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota's 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.

It will go on sale in late summer 2012 through select dealers, initially in four major California metropolitan markets. 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.
 
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," Toyota said in a statement.  

It added, "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 maximise 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 centre 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 staement said.
 
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, which 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. The vehicle comes equipped with a 120V (Level 1) emergency charging cable for instances when the recommended 240V (Level 2) charging is not available.
 
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