As we previously reported, Toyota has joined forces with Tesla Motors to develop an electric version of the RAV4. Now, the Japanese automotive producer announced that the RAV4 EV concept will be unveiled at the upcoming L.A. Auto Show.Toyota plans to bring the RAV4 EV to the U.S. market in 2012 in an effort to strengthen its position on the electric vehicle market.
The compact SUV will receive an electric powertrain supplied by Tesla Motors and will be aimed at offering an eco motoring alternative. The two companies introduced their collaboration to the public back in May.
By joining forces, Toyota is willing to benefit from Tesla’s EV development potential, while also borrow the latter's flexible business approach, while Tesla plans to learn from Toyota’s vehicle development experience.
“RAV4 EV is a further example of Toyota’s efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions by developing more efficient and alternative powertrain technologies. It has led the industry in the development of hybrid petrol-electric systems, as deployed in Prius, Auris hybrid and other models in markets worldwide,” stated the press release.
“It has sound experience in the field of electric vehicles, having sold around 1,900 first-generation RAV4 EV models between 1996 and 2003 – the first vehicle in the world to be powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery.”
Toyota announced that it will introduce the specifications and details of the RAV4 EV concept at a special conference that will be held at the event on November 17. For now, the company has released two teaser images for the vehicle.
The compact SUV will receive an electric powertrain supplied by Tesla Motors and will be aimed at offering an eco motoring alternative. The two companies introduced their collaboration to the public back in May.
By joining forces, Toyota is willing to benefit from Tesla’s EV development potential, while also borrow the latter's flexible business approach, while Tesla plans to learn from Toyota’s vehicle development experience.
“RAV4 EV is a further example of Toyota’s efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions by developing more efficient and alternative powertrain technologies. It has led the industry in the development of hybrid petrol-electric systems, as deployed in Prius, Auris hybrid and other models in markets worldwide,” stated the press release.
“It has sound experience in the field of electric vehicles, having sold around 1,900 first-generation RAV4 EV models between 1996 and 2003 – the first vehicle in the world to be powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery.”
Toyota announced that it will introduce the specifications and details of the RAV4 EV concept at a special conference that will be held at the event on November 17. For now, the company has released two teaser images for the vehicle.