Competitors: Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt
Powertrain: 150-hp permanent magnet electric motor, FWD, 50-kwh (estimated) lithium-ion battery pack
Range: 80 to 120 miles
RAV4 uses an electric motor and Tesla-supplied battery pack. Its battery is huge under the floor, a 660-pound gigantic mounted. According to Toyota it supplies 37 kwh of usable energy that means the total capacity is around 50 kwh.
Tech Tidbit: Still-secret lithium-ion chemistry is used by the Tesla battery pack that is unique to the RAV4 EV program so far, it is in the search for greater electrical storage capacity. Yet in spite of the fact that in electric cars this new chemistry is one of the most suspiciously guarded secrets, but the charging still requires 28 hours at 120 volts and 12 hours at 240 volts.
Driving Character: A big disconnects emergency red switch is placed near the ignition button; it is a sign of interesting things to come. The RAV4 EV that is a rolling display of the Toyota–Tesla relationship appeals at its first look. The outrageous battery leads to a heavy 3932-pound curb weight but the car is easy and does not feel over weighed in the drive. The handling and steering have a pleasing and enjoyable lightness, and body roll is managed very well. The vehicle's strong suit is braking. It has regenerative system doing almost all the calipers and works that are important for emergencies. The RAV4 boasts a 9.0-second time and a top speed of 100 mph that is respectable.
Driver's Grievance: on these prototypes, the regenerative braking calibration is far too violent. So the deceleration was abrupt, when the driver simply lifts from the accelerator, we were tempted to acquire the brake lights illuminate. According to Toyota this type of behavior is attributed to the prototype nature of the car.
Favorite Detail: it is usually considered that control pushbuttons in the center console won't make it to production in the Tesla-style transmission but it doesn't mean that these buttons are not efficient. In the RAV4 EV, a more Prius-like shifter-stalk can be seen. Too bad.
To be clear, Toyota is attracted towards Tesla's battery technology and the RAV4 is used as a test bed. It works well as an EV, quiet operation, brisk acceleration and surprisingly good handling . But it has same disadvantages as all EVs. Its 100-mile real-world range limits the RAV4 to second car but is good for a modern EV. When the car will hit the market the price will also be very high. If we say anything this will be too early to tell how the Toyota Tesla partnership will take shape.
