Toyota has been really quiet about their new RAV4 EV, except to mention a few things: Ships in 2012, Plug-in vehicle with range of 80 - 120 miles, Tesla supplied battery below floor. Big question, will this be a pure Electric Vehicle or a plug-in Toyota hybrid tricked out with lithium batteries? If Toyota goes the plug-in hybrid route, this could steal all the Chevy Volt thunder. Just imagine, 100mi battery only, plus 350 mile total range? If pure EV, then it would steal the thunder from Nissan Leaf due to passenger space and hauling ability. Who knows?
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I do agree that some more info would be welcome, but it's likely that Toyota must provide it,since it's their car, and Tesla are probably not allowed to 'leak' information on it.
It will definitely have more room than the Leaf. But I'm sure it will be significantly more expensive, if they sell it at all. And if you can get one. I suspect it will be a pretty limited lease. Which is too bad; they could be really popular.
Out the gate, they'll have a proven battery pack and a proven drive train in a sensible, popular, affordable vehicle "RAV4". I think Toyota can price it under $35K so as to be competitive with the Leaf.
Whether or not anybody will be able to get one in 2012 is another story.
btw - still waiting for "Revenge of the Electric Car" on DVD.
I'm seeing a lot of Leafs on the road now in California. Not many Volts. Neither can keep up with demand. I suppose Toyota won't be able to meet demand in 2012 either.
The January 2012 Auto Shows should be really interesting.
Not sure how "official" this is.