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Toyota RAV4 Electric to Reach Dealerships in 2012

Toyota and Tesla Motors have already confirmed that they are jointly developing an electric version of the popular RAV4, but the question still remains: when are we going to see the model in Toyota's stores? The answer seems to come from auto dealer Atlantic Toyota who said, according to tmcnet.com, that the RAV4 Electric will be available starting from 2012. When exactly, nobody knows, but this is the first confirmation to the rumors claiming the model will be released in two years.

The car was officially on display for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, after Toyota confirmed in mid October that it is going to pay Tesla Motors approximately $60 million for the development of the project.

"Pursuant to the Agreement, based on preliminary specifications, TMC will pay Tesla approximately $60 million for the development services to be provided by Tesla. The parties will mutually agree to the final specifications, deliverables and payment amounts and schedule within 60 days of the execution of the Agreement. This amount will be paid in various installments during the term of the Agreement,"
it was mentioned in an 8-K form revealed in October.

The electric version will be offered with a mild facelift, which includes changes at the front bumper, grille, fog lamps and head lamps. At the interior, the electric RAV4 features custom seat trim, multimedia dash displays, push-button shifter and dashboard meters. According to Toyota, no cargo space has been launched with the fitting of the battery system (73-cubic-foot cargo area with rear seats folded down).

Using the battery technology developed and tweaked by Tesla for its models (lithium metal oxide, 30 kwh), the RAV4 is said to be capable of achieving a range of about 100 miles (160 km).
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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