At this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, the Toyota Tesla RAV4 EV made its debut, powered by lithium metal oxide batteries and boasting a reported range of 100 miles. For many enthusiasts, this unveiling was nothing short of thrilling—finally, the long-awaited RAV4 EV is here!
Presented just days ago on November 17th by Toyota Motor Sales USA President Jim Lentz, this collaboration between Toyota and Tesla Motors marks a significant milestone in their joint "demonstration and evaluation program," slated to run until 2011, with plans for a fully engineered vehicle hitting the market in 2012. To the casual observer, the new RAV4 EV might seem like a complete departure from its predecessors, but the true innovation lies beneath the surface.
The foundation of this vehicle lies in its cutting-edge battery technology. The RAV4 EV features a lithium metal oxide battery array, delivering a usable output in the mid-30 kWh range. Although this advanced battery adds nearly 220 pounds to the vehicle’s weight, Toyota addressed this challenge by redesigning the powertrain, suspension system, and steering mechanisms, ensuring a balanced distribution of the added mass. According to Toyota, the prototype they showcased accelerates from 0 to 60 mph almost as quickly as the current RAV4 model.
One of 35 vehicles being evaluated by Toyota, the RAV4 EV represents a crucial step toward their 2012 electric vehicle launch.
Beyond the battery, the RAV4 EV underwent extensive modifications to its exterior design. The front bumper, grille, fog lamps, and headlights have all been refreshed, giving the vehicle a distinct look. Additionally, the press release highlighted the "custom EV badging" and a unique paint job, completing the transformation. On the inside, the cabin features custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, a push-button shifter, and updated dashboard meters. Notably, the RAV4 platform maintains a spacious 73-cubic-foot cargo area even after the conversion to an electric powertrain.
Toyota approached the development of the RAV4 EV with a strategy of leveraging existing resources. Instead of reinventing the wheel, they focused on integrating Tesla’s renowned battery technology with their own proven vehicle platforms. This partnership aims to bring vehicles with a claimed range of 100 miles on real-world driving conditions to dealerships by 2012. During this process, Toyota plans to showcase a total of 35 different models, makes, and variations of Tesla-Toyota vehicles at various global auto shows to gather feedback from consumers regarding preferences and drivability. While not all of these prototypes may make it into full-scale production, Toyota has committed to launching at least one electric vehicle by 2012.
As part of their broader initiative, Toyota and Tesla aim to gauge public sentiment and refine their approach to electric mobility. This collaboration not only highlights the potential of combining innovative technologies with established automotive expertise but also underscores a growing trend toward sustainable transportation solutions. Whether or not every version of these test vehicles will eventually hit the market, the partnership between Toyota and Tesla represents a promising step forward in the electric vehicle revolution.
In conclusion, the RAV4 EV stands as a testament to what can be achieved when two industry giants pool their strengths. As we look ahead to 2012, it remains to be seen how consumer response will shape the future of electric vehicles—but one thing is certain: the automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, and Toyota and Tesla are leading the charge.
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