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| The Toyota RAV4 EV |
If you are unfamiliar with the RAV4, it's considered a compact crossover SUV that is considered one of the more fuel efficient vehicles in its class. While the gas powered RAV4 SUV is very popular, the electric RAV4 was not.
Between 1997 and 2003 sales were flat. Not many people were interested in an all electric SUV.
Now, the electric RAV4 is about to make a comeback. In 2010, Toyota announced a partnership with Tesla Motors to develop a new electric RAV4, which will be called the RAV4 EV. It is predicted to be out sometime in 2012. While there is still some time before the RAV4 EV hits the market, here are some things you need to know about it if you are thinking of buying one.
Like all electric vehicles the RAV4 EV will have a lithium battery. According to Toyota, it will be a lithium metal oxide battery with an output range around 30 kwh. Additionally the body of the RAV4 EV will be much different than the typical body of a standard RAV4. The front bumper, grille, headlamps, and fog lamps have all been redesigned. The new look gives the electric SUV an aerodynamic look. The RAV4 EV will also have a custom paint job as well as special logos that separate it from standard RAV4 SUVs.
Inside the new RAV4, there will be new seating and trim. It will include a multimedia dashboard as well as a push-button shifter. It will also have a 73 cubic foot cargo area when you fold down the rear seats. By comparison the standard 2011 RAV4 does not have all of these features. But if you can't wait for the RAV4 EV the standard RAV4 is a quality vehicle.
The 2011 RAV4 starts at $21,925 and has a variety of options such as integrated floor lamps, electronic on demand 4 wheel drive and many other options. In terms of gas mileage, it gets 22 miles per gallon during city driving and 28 miles per gallon during highway driving.
According to Toyota, the new RAV4 EV SUVs are testing around the 100 mile range before they need a charge. However this number may change once the vehicle is put into production in 2012.
Since the RAV4 EV is not due out until 2012, you will have some time to consider whether or not this is the right vehicle for you.
The benefits of electric cars include the fact that you're helping the environment. These types of cars decrease the United States' dependence on oil. However, it may be difficult to find qualified mechanics to work on these vehicles once they come out.
