Photo: Toyota
While you may be thinking that putting an electric motor into what is a moderately-sized SUV is not a particularly efficient way to move around, as the taller and more blunt body shape will create substantially more drag than a regular sedan or hatchback would.
However, Toyota have announced that their upcoming RAV4 EV, which is set to make its showroom debut in one month’s time, beats all but two of all current EVs on sale in the US, when it comes to range. According to toyota, their SUV will be able to travel as far as 113 miles (182 km), on a single charge, using an ‘extended’ charging option - the ‘standard’ range, without the extra juice crammed into the battery is 92 miles (147 km).
This is considerably better than the 73 miles (116 km) achieved by the Leaf, or the slightly better figure of 76 miles (121 km) achieved by the Ford Focus. The RAV4 EV is only beaten by cars made by the people who are in charge of its drivetrain and batteries - Tesla Motors.
Toyota plans on selling around 2,600 units between 2012 and 2014, at a cost of $49,800. However, the RAV4 EV qualifies for a combined refund by both the state and federal government of $10,000.
Also, considering the fact that this is not the first time Toyota have a RAV4 EV in their showrooms (though it was only available for leases before, in the late 1990s), this should be easily the most reliable EV currently on sale today, as well as being the largest and most practical.
Story via autonews.com
Toyota plans on selling around 2,600 units between 2012 and 2014, at a cost of $49,800. However, the RAV4 EV qualifies for a combined refund by both the state and federal government of $10,000.
Also, considering the fact that this is not the first time Toyota have a RAV4 EV in their showrooms (though it was only available for leases before, in the late 1990s), this should be easily the most reliable EV currently on sale today, as well as being the largest and most practical.
Story via autonews.com
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