Toyota RAV4 electric: the United States in 2012

Nearly 14 years after his first electric RAV4, Toyota decided to revive the concept, but this time with the American manufacturer Tesla Motors. For the record, the first electric Rav-4 was launched in 1997. It was then powered by a battery pack with nickel-metal hybrid and had a range of 175 km on a single charge. 1484 units were sold in the U.S. and about 700 of them still ply U.S. roads today.

The electric RAV4 available to the general public

While rumors claimed that the electric SUV will be reserved exclusively for car sharing, Toyota denies saying his RAV4 will indeed be available to the general public. The Japanese manufacturer will be the first and only manufacturer to sell an electric SUV in the U.S. market in 2012.
Toyota will also launch in 2012 the Scion iQ, an electric four-seater designed only to rental fleets and automobiles. The production of these two electrical models in one year is a feat. The Japanese firm will realize the collaboration with Tesla Motors, a major name in the industry of electric cars.


Toyota and Tesla Motors, a duo!

The agreement, concluded on July 15, involves the provision of an electric drive train system for the 2012 RAV4 version. Tesla will therefore equipment that SUV for batteries, motor, charging system and especially the control software of the power supply. Conversely, Toyota has invested $ 100 million in funding from American manufacturer.
According to Toyota, Tesla technology will enable the RAV4 to display a range of 160 km and acceleration equivalent to that of the diesel version. With this performance, the Japanese firm hopes to attract U.S. motorists in 2012. For European customers, Toyota has not unveiled any marketing program.