Toyota has decided to partner Tesla Motors for an electric SUV. The pure-electric 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV is moving toward production. The two partners announced at a press conference that the production of the SUV will commence sometimes in 2012 at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada factory in Woodstock, Ontario. We saw the all-electric RAV4 at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles two months ago. Although we were unable to test it, we know what to expect from the vehicle whenever it finally made it to the showroom.
2013 RAV4 EV features and specs
Compared to the standard gas-powered RAV4, the exterior changes include: a re-styled front bumper, side mirrors, upper and lower grill, and a new rear spoiler. In addition to all these, there is also a special under-body design. This helps in increasing air flow in the vehicle. The lamps also went through an upgrade. The taillights headlights and daytime running lights were all changed into LED units. The 2013 RAV4 EV is coming in three exterior colours: Shoreline Blue Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic and Blizzard White Pearl.
The exterior colour combines with the unique blue-accented fabric (called Neutron by Toyota) used on the seat and door trim to give the RAV4 EV 2013 a captivating look. There is also an impressive eight-inch touch screen navigation display. The touch screen also displays battery info and telematics. Some other standard equipment that can be found in the car includes Bluetooth connectivity with a USB port, an Entune multimedia system and heated front seats.
All-Wheel Drive AWD will not be offered in this RAV4 EV 2013 model, only Front Wheel Drive FWD will be available. Contrary to rumours going around, the crossover is based on the current, RAV4 rather than the next-gen model. Power comes from a battery pack made by Tesla and 115kW electric drive system. Another source told us that the 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV will be powered by an electric powertrain that produces 154 HP. Recharging the battery takes just like six hours with a 240V/ 40A charger, and a full recharge can make up to 100 miles. Toyota has assured us that the cabin space will not be reduced by the presence of a battery as it is placed low in the centre of the vehicle and the cargo capacity will remain as it were: 73 cubic feet, and a seating for five. So, we can conclude that the new car will not be that different from the previous model. There are two driving modes: Normal and Sport. In the normal mode, the car can move from 0-60 mph in just 8.6 seconds at a speed of 85 mph, while in the sport mode, it is faster. It can make 60 mph in 7.0 seconds at a speed of 100 mph.
Toyota expects to sell at least 2,600 units of the 2013 RAV4 EV within the next three years. Availability will be limited initially. It will debut at some selected showrooms in San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Sacramento and Los Angeles/Orange County when it is released in late summer 2012 at a starting price of $49,800. That is around $50,610 including destination charge.
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