All-electric RAV4 EV boasts 100-mile driving range

Toyota’s all-new 2012 RAV4 EV offers the same comfort, performance and versatility as its predecessors, but with an all-electric motor that can take drivers more than 100 miles on a single charge.

“The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “Arriving fully-equipped with an MSRP of $49,800, with available combined federal and state incentives of up to $10,000, the RAV4 EV is a practical, versatile option for the EV enthusiast.”

Under the Hood

The RAV4 EV’s electric powertrain puts out 115 kW for an equivalent 154 horsepower. The battery pack is placed low and centrally, making the center of gravity for the vehicle sit lower.

Two modes for the motor – normal and sport – allow drivers to choose energy efficiency or power, with sport mode going from 0-60 in 7 seconds and topping out at 100 mph, while normal mode gets to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and tops out at 85 mph.

Two charging modes are available. The standard charging mode charges to 35 kWh for an EPA-estimated range of 92 miles. The extended charging mode takes the battery to its full capacity of 41.8 kWh, an estimated 113 miles in range.

Toyota partnered with electric vehicle pioneer Tesla to use regenerative braking. As explained in the video above, regenerative braking engages generators when the driver’s foot is released from the accelerator. The motion of the wheels helps to regenerate battery power, an equivalent to putting more gasoline in the tank in a piston-engine vehicle.

Regenerative braking does slow the vehicle, and it can be especially helpful on long downgrades, both keeping the vehicle at the desired speed and recharging the battery.

Comfort and Convenience

Drivers can make their RAV4 EVs comfortable before ever stepping into them with remote climate control, which allows them to turn on the air conditioning system while the vehicle is plugged in, both making it ready when they enter and saving battery power once it’s unplugged.

A six-way-adjustable driver’s seat has variable front seat heaters and a back heater.

Toyota broke new ground with the RAV4 EV’s IntelliTouch touch screen system, which features an 8-inch screen that allows drivers to use the navigation system, electric vehicle applications, the climate control system and Toyota’s Entune multimedia entertainment system.

Entune includes an AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free cellphone use and streaming audio, and a USB port for iPod and other mobile music player connectivity.

The electric vehicle applications display driving range, trip efficiency, an eco coach that evaluates power management and a CO2 reduction monitor that shows how much less carbon the driver is emitting into the atmosphere compared with a traditional gas-powered vehicle.

Safety

RAV4 EVs come standard with Toyota’s STAR Safety System, which includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.

The battery pack is protected by an extended aluminum casing and special rocker arms. The chassis is also designed to protect the battery in a collision.

Additionally, the RAV4 EV has a host of airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side curtain airbags for rollover protection.