Toyota reveals production RAV4 EV

Toyota's first battery-electric vehicle is set for launch in the US this year, during the northern hemisphere summer.

As we reported at the end of 2010, the electric vehicle in question will be the RAV4 EV, a development project shared between Toyota and electric vehicle specialist, Tesla.

Unveiled at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles, the production RAV4 EV boasts a range of 160km between battery charges. Recharging the battery requires six hours, from a 240V/40A outlet. Therein lies a problem. Most American households will not be able to recharge the RAV4 EV from a standard domestic power supply.

Toyota has not explained how private consumers will recharge the battery, but given the high output and the time required for recharging, the RAV4 EV seems like an argument for battery swapping or commercial fast-charging. One of the pictures supplied with the press material clearly shows the car connected to a non-standard power supply unit on a wall.

Whatever the case may be, the EV version of the RAV4 is a showcase for new technology as much as a commercially viable product. Driven through the front wheels only, unlike the petrol version, the EV develops 115kW of power. In its sport mode, it will reach a maximum speed of 160km/h, passing 100km/h around seven seconds from a standing start. Left in normal mode the vehicle is limited to 135km/h and will reach 96.6km/h (60MPH) in 8.6 seconds.

Leaving the EV front-drive only allows for the battery pack to be mounted low and in between front and rear axles, according to Toyota. The manufacturer has tweaked the RAV4 EV's body for improved aerodynamics — 0.30Cd — which sets a new record for any SUV, Toyota claims. Front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body design have all been revised for the EV application.

Toyota and Tesla joined forces to develop the RAV4 EV in 22 months, with Tesla providing the battery pack and drivetrain components. The impetus to develop the electric RAV came from Toyota's own CEO, Akio Toyoda.

"The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV - in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States.

"We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius. It's designed for consumers who prioritise the environment and appreciate performance."

The RAV4 EV will be built by Toyota at the company's Canadian production plant based in Woodstock, Ontario.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...