The RAV4 EV shown today is considered a mid-cycle "major-minor" product change: major powertrain option w/ minor feature & cosmetic changes. It has a target range of 100-miles in actual road driving conditions.
According to Toyota, a large part of the team’s focus on the customer experience targeted driveability. In this case, the end goal is a vehicle with driveability characteristics as close to the conventional RAV4 as possible. The demo vehicle weights 220 pounds more than the current RAV4 V6 yet it will accelerate from zero to sixty nearly as quickly.
The demo vehicle is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with usable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle have not been decided.
Now, who is responsible for what? Tesla is responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other components that meet Toyota's engineering specs for performance, quality and durability. On the other hand, Toyota is responsible for the development and manufacturing, leadership and integration of the powertrain.
Expect to see it on the streets in 2012.
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