Toyota has revealed its electric RAV4 at the LA motor show.
The RAV4 EV concept is a collaborative project with Tesla, which uses Toyota’s SUV shell and the electric drive train of its project’s partner company.
See pics of the RAV4 EV at the LA motor show
Tesla’s involvement in the venture was in supplying the battery as well as other related parts that met specific Toyota engineering specifications.
Great focus has been placed on ‘customer experience’, so Toyota has skimmed dead weight off its EV to make it drive as close to a conventional RAV4 as possible. Suspension and steering has been modified too, as well as components relocated to better balance the increased weight of the battery pack. All in all, weight is up by 100kgs over its petrol V6 version.
Styling for the EV has also been updated and includes a new front bumper, grille, fog and headlights. On the inside, it features multimedia dash displays, push-button shifter and dashboard meters.
A total of 35 EVs will be built for testing throughout 2011, with final production reaching the US in 2012. The company claims it will have a range of up to 100 miles.
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