Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), the biggest maker of hybrid autos, said its RAV4 EV sport-utility vehicle powered by batteries and motor from Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA) (TSLA) will go farther on a charge than major competitors’ electric models.
The small SUV, arriving at California dealers in about a month, goes as far as 113 miles (182 kilometers) per full charge, Toyota said at a briefing this week in Newport Beach, California. The $49,800 model is the market’s only all-electric crossover and qualifies for $10,000 in combined federal and state incentives, the company said.
“The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas-powered RAV4 V-6,” said Bill Fay, group vice president of U.S. Toyota-brand sales. “It’s the most practical, versatile and convenient electric vehicle on the market.”
The battery-powered SUV joins a growing field of rechargeable models that includes Nissan Motor Co.’s Leaf hatchback, General Motor Co.’s plug-in Volt sedan, Honda Motor Co.’s Fit EV subcompact and Ford Motor Co. (F) (F)’s five-door Focus EV. Automakers are adding them to meet demand from some buyers for vehicles that emit little or no pollution and to comply with California rules requiring them from the largest brands.
Toyota plans to sell 2,600 of the RAV4 EV during model years 2012 through 2014 and an additional 30,000 Prius plug-in hybrids to comply with the state’s zero-emission vehicle program, Fay said.
Charging Modes
The RAV4 EV takes about six hours to fully recharge, using a 240-volt outlet, and has two charging modes for its 41.8-kilowatt battery. With a “standard” charge, the model goes 92 miles; an “extended” charge option is available for longer trips, boosting range to as far as 113 miles of real- world driving, the company said.
