The first rumors regarding the electric Toyota RAV4 EV surfaced in the summer and today, Toyota makes it official. The Japanese carmaker has released the first teaser images of the electric Toyota RAV4 EV concept which will have its world premiere at the Los Angeles auto show. As rumored, the electric Toyota RAV4 EV concept has been developed by the Asian car maker in collaboration with Tesla Motors. In fact, the electric Toyota RAV4 EV concept has the body of the SUV and the same powertrain as the Tesla.
The production version of the electric Toyota RAV4 EV concept will hit the USA market in 2012, but its price has not been announced yet. The full Toyota RAV4 EV specs list will be announced at the LA auto show.
We'll have more details on the new electric Toyota RAV4 EV concept as soon as they become available.
Toyota Press Release:
TOYOTA TO UNVEIL RAV4 EV CONCEPT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
First public appearance of RAV4 EV (electric vehicle) Concept, developed by Toyota and Tesla Motors
RAV4 compact SUV body fitted with Tesla electric powertrain
Concept precedes RAV4 EV being introduced to US market in 2012
Specifications and further details to be announced at Los Angeles Auto Show on 17 November
Toyota will take the wraps off a new electric vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, the RAV4 EV Concept.
The concept marks further progress towards RAV4 EV being brought to market in the USA in 2012, further strengthening Toyota’s leadership in developing a range of technologies for low carbon, sustainable transport.
The new concept combines the current RAV4 compact SUV with an electric powertrain from Tesla Motors. In May, Toyota announced it would co-operate with the American company in the development of electric vehicles and parts, and in EV production systems and engineering.
By working together, Tesla will benefit from Toyota’s manufacturing expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla’s EV technology capabilities, and its responsive and flexible approach to business and decision making.
RAV4 EV is a further example of Toyota’s efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions by developing more efficient and alternative powertrain technologies. It has led the industry in the development of hybrid petrol-electric systems, as deployed in Prius, Auris hybrid and other models in markets worldwide. It has sound experience in the field of electric vehicles, having sold around 1,900 first-generation RAV4 EV models between 1996 and 2003 – the first vehicle in the world to be powered by
a nickel-metal hydride battery.
Toyota will announce specifications and further details of the new RAV4 EV Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 17 November.
