View source for Toyota RAV4 EV

{{Short description|All-electric compact crossover SUV}}
{{main|Toyota RAV4}}
{{Infobox electric vehicle
| name           = Toyota RAV4 EV
| image          = Toyota RAV4 EV with badge WAS 2012 0791 copy.jpg
| caption        = Second generation RAV4 EV
| manufacturer   = [[Toyota]]
| production     = {{hlist
  | 1997–2003
  | 2012–2014
  }}
| model_years    = 
| assembly       = 
| class          = [[Compact crossover SUV]]
| body_style     = 5-door [[Sport utility vehicle|SUV]]
| layout         = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-motor, front-wheel-drive]]
| successor      = [[Toyota bZ4X]]
| sp             = us
}}
The '''Toyota RAV4 EV''' is an [[Battery electric vehicle|all-electric]] version of the popular [[Toyota RAV4|RAV4]] [[SUV]] produced by [[Toyota]] until 2014. Two generations of the EV model were sold in California, and to fleets elsewhere in the US, with a gap of almost ten years between them.

The first generation was leased from 1997 to 2003, and at the lessees' request, many units were sold after the vehicle was discontinued.<ref name=Boschert06>{{Cite book | last = Sherry Boschert | author-link = Sherry Boschert | title = Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America | year = 2006 | publisher = New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, Canada | isbn = 978-0-86571-571-4 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/pluginhybridscar00bosc }}</ref> A total of 1,484 were leased and/or sold in California to meet the state's mandate for [[zero-emissions vehicle]].<ref name=NYT0710/> A small number were sold or leased in fleet sales in other states. As of mid-2012, there were almost 500 vehicles still in use in California.<ref name=GCR0812>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1078181_2012-toyota-rav4-ev-first-drive-of-tesla-powered-crossover|title=2012 Toyota RAV4 EV: First Drive Of Tesla-Powered Crossover|author=John Voelcker|date=2012-08-02|publisher=Green Car Reports|access-date=2012-08-04}}</ref> Production of the second generation EV was limited to 2,600 units during a three-year run, with sales limited to California beginning in 2012.<ref name=RAV4price>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/05/toyota-introduces-new-rav4-ev-418-kwh-pack-100-mile-range.html|title=Toyota introduces new RAV4 EV; 41.8 kWh pack, 100-mile range |author=Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2012-05-07|access-date=2012-05-09}}</ref><ref name=Calif12/> Production ended in September 2014.<ref name=ProdEnd>{{cite web|url=http://www.plugincars.com/toyota-wraps-production-rav4-ev-130150.html|title=Toyota Wraps Up Production of RAV4 EV|author=Brad Berman|publisher=PluginCars.com|date=2014-09-24|access-date=2015-06-20}}</ref> A total of 2,489 units of the second generation model were sold in California through April 2015.<ref name=Sales2013US/><ref name=Sales112014US/><ref name=Sales042015US/>

Toyota worked together with [[Tesla Motors]] and [[Panasonic]] to develop the second generation RAV4 EV, and the electric SUV was released in the United States in September 2012.<ref name=RAV4price/><ref name=MT0912/> The [[US Environmental Protection Agency]] rated the second generation RAV4 EV with a range of {{convert|103|mi|km|abbr=on}} and a combined [[fuel economy in automobiles|fuel economy]] rating of 76 [[miles per gallon gasoline equivalent]] ({{convert|76|mpgus|L/100 km|abbr=on|disp=out|1}}).<ref name=MT0912/>

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{{anchor|XA10|First generation}}

==First generation (1997)==
{{Infobox electric vehicle
| name = First generation
| image = Toyota RAV4 EV WAS 2012 0759.JPG
| caption = Toyota RAV4 EV first generation (BEA11)
| production = 1997&ndash;2003
| assembly = Japan: [[Toyota, Aichi]] ([[Motomachi plant]]); [[Tahara, Aichi]] ([[Tahara plant]])
| motor = {{convert|50|kW|hp|abbr=on}}, {{convert|190|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on|-1}}<ref name="RAV4 03 specs">{{cite web|last=Dickey|first=Darell|title=Rav4EV Data|url=http://www.evnut.com/rav_data.htm|work=EVNut.com web site|access-date=2014-02-20}}</ref> [[Synchronous motor#Permanent-magnet|AC synchronous permanent-magnet motor]]
| transmission = Single-speed transaxle, 9.455:1 ratio
| battery = [[Panasonic]] {{val|27.4|ul=kWh}} [[nickel-metal hydride battery|NiMH]]<ref name="RAV4 03 specs"/>
| range = {{convert|95|mi|km|abbr=on}} ([[FTP-75|EPA]])<ref name="fueleconomy.gov"/>
| wheelbase = {{convert|94.9|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|156.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|66.7|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|64.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|3440|lb|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Dickey|first=Darell|title=Rav4EV FAQ (Owner - 2002(3) and earlier)|url=http://www.evnut.com/rav_faq_owner.htm|work=EVNut.com web site|access-date=2014-02-20}}</ref>
| charging = 6{{nbsp}}kW 100{{ndash}}240{{nbsp}}V onboard charger for 1Φ 30{{nbsp}}A using [[Magne Charge]] connector
}}

The first fleet version of the RAV4 EV became available on a limited basis in 1997. In 2001 it was possible for businesses, cities or utilities to lease one or two of these cars. Toyota then actually sold or leased 328 RAV4 EVs to the general public in 2003, at which time the program was terminated despite waiting lists of prospective customers. Overall, approximately 1,900 units were sold or leased through 2003, of which approximately 1,500 in the U.S. and 400 in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Website {{!}} 75 Years of Toyota {{!}} Section 8. Integrating IT and Exploring New Energy Sources {{!}} Item 2. Responding to the Energy Problem |url=https://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/text/leaping_forward_as_a_global_corporation/chapter4/section8/item2.html |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.toyota-global.com}}</ref>

The RAV4 EV closely resembles the regular [[internal combustion engine]] (ICE) version - without a tailpipe - and has a governed top speed of {{cvt|78|mph}} with an EPA rated range of {{convert|95|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name="fueleconomy.gov"/> The 95 amp-hour [[nickel–metal hydride battery]] (NiMH) has a capacity of {{val|27.4|ul=kWh}}, charges [[inductive charging|inductively]] and has proven to be very durable. Some RAV4 EVs have been driven more than {{convert|150000|mi|km}} using the original battery pack. It was also one of the few vehicles with a single speed gearbox when introduced to the market.

Beyond the unusual power train (batteries, controller and motor), the remaining systems in the RAV4 EV are comparable to the gasoline-powered RAV4. The power [[brakes]], [[power steering]], tire wear and suspension components are similar except that they use electric power sources. The power brakes use an electric pump to provide vacuum instead of deriving vacuum from the engine manifold. The power steering use an electric motor instead of mechanical energy delivered by fan belts. The passenger compartment is heated and cooled electrically using a [[heat pump]] (the first fleet application of a heat pump in a road vehicle).

===Performance===
The RAV4 EV production has a governed top speed of {{cvt|85|mph|km/h|order=flip}}, a tested 0 to {{cvt|60|mph}} time of around 18 seconds (depending on state-of-charge on the batteries).{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Its EPA rated driving range is {{convert|95|mi}} with an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 43&nbsp;kW·h/100&nbsp;mi (equivalent to 78 [[MPGe]]).<ref name="fueleconomy.gov">{{cite web|title=Compare Side-by-Side, 2003 Toyota RAV4 EV|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=19296|work=www.fueleconomy.gov|publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]]|access-date=2014-02-19}}</ref> Actual fuel economy and range depends on the same factors as a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle including [[rolling resistance]] and average speed ([[drag (physics)|aerodynamic drag]]).

The RAV4 EV battery pack uses 24 12-volt, 95Ah NiMH batteries capable of storing 27 kWh of energy.

===Charging===
Production vehicles use the [[Magne Charge]] connector, a [[inductive charging]] paddle produced by [[General Motors]] subsidiary [[Delco Electronics]] also used on other electric vehicles of the time including the [[General Motors EV1|EV1]] and [[Chevy S10 EV]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stefanoparis.com/piaev/WhyWeNeedPlugIns/2008.03.15EVAoSC/2008.03.15EVAoSC.html |title=2008.03.15 EVAoSC Meeting at AQMD - PV Solar EV Chargeport |quote=Also available in a couple of the parking stalls are Small Paddle Inductive (SPI) TAL MagneCharge chargers usable with the remaining fleet of Toyota RAV4EVs |publisher=Electric Vehicle Association of Southern California |date=2008-03-15 |access-date=2011-05-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620125236/http://www.stefanoparis.com/piaev/WhyWeNeedPlugIns/2008.03.15EVAoSC/2008.03.15EVAoSC.html |archive-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The inlet was mounted on the front grille of the vehicle. When using a 6{{nbsp}}kW charging unit on a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit, the RAV4 EV's batteries can be recharged from being fully depleted to fully charged in about five hours, the process monitored by a passive battery balancing system.

Some RAV4 EV prototypes were charged via a front fender mounted conductive charger coupling made by Yazaki Corporation.

===Mileage costs===
Charging a RAV4 EV from full-dead to full-charge uses approximately 30&nbsp;kW·h of electricity; the excess above the battery pack capacity is used by the charging system. At a rate of {{USD|0.09}} per kilowatt-hour, this costs around {{USD|2.70}}. As of May 2008, based on a gasoline price-per-gallon cost of {{USD|3.80}} and up and the non-EV 2003 RAV4 2-wheel-drive gasoline [[fuel efficiency]] of {{convert|27|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, the RAV4 EV costs approximately 5 times less a per mile basis, and makes mileage in the RAV4 EV the cost equivalent to a {{convert|111.1|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} small SUV.

In addition, the RAV4 EV has a charge timer built into the dashboard that enables the vehicle to start charging at a specific time. As the RAV4 EV easily becomes the main cost of electricity in an average-sized home, this enables the owner to use a [[Electricity meter#Multiple tariff|Time-Of-Day Meter]] to reduce electricity costs. This configuration is a standard practice with RAV4 EV owners. The price of electricity at night depends on the carrier, but is usually in the range of 60% of the normal rate. In the use of charging the RAV4 EV, this equates to a cheaper cost-per-mile, roughly equivalent to a vehicle capable of {{convert|166.6|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, based on a price of {{USD|3.00}} per gallon.

The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] listed mileage ratings for the RAV4 EV in its yearly Fuel Economy Guide from 2000 through 2003. The [https://web.archive.org/web/20090104021706/http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2003&make=Toyota&model=RAV4%20EV&hiddenField=Findacar 2003 model] recorded fuel efficiency of 39&nbsp;kW·h/100&nbsp;mi city, 49&nbsp;kW·h/100&nbsp;mi highway; the city mileage rating was equivalent to {{convert|125|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|100|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}} on the highway.<ref>{{cite web|title=Compare Old and New EPA MPG Estimates - 2003 Toyota RAV4 EV|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySidePopUp.jsp?column=1&id=19296|work=fueleconomy.gov|publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]]|access-date=2014-02-20}}</ref> The EPA rated combined mileage was {{convert|112|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}.

In 2007, the EPA updated its rating system and revised the ratings to a city equivalent of {{convert|87|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, highway equivalent of {{convert|69|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}, and a combined equivalent of {{convert|78|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}.<ref name="fueleconomy.gov"/>

===Consumable items===
The RAV4 EV's battery system is a consumable item. Toyota reports that battery pack replacement costs are currently higher than the value of the used vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/rav4ev/ |title=RAV4 EV |publisher=Toyota |location=US |access-date=2011-01-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116082515/http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/rav4ev/ |archive-date=2010-11-16}}</ref> Toyota tested the RAV4 EV in Japan for {{convert|300000|mi|km}} over two years before introducing the vehicle in the United States. The [[economies of scale]] are affecting the replacement cost of the RAV4 EV.

===Prototyping===
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2007}}
RAV4 EV pre-production prototypes were first released in a confidential evaluation program with electric utilities throughout the U.S. These prototypes were based on the smaller, shorter, two-door version of the RAV4. The prototypes included some versions fitted with Panasonic [[NiMH]] batteries, and others with high-performance Panasonic lead–acid [[Lead–acid battery|PbA]] batteries (the same ones that eventually found their way into the [[EV1]] and other production GM electric vehicles). The RAV4 EV prototypes also were equipped with on-board [[Level 1, 2, and 3 charging|level 2]] chargers and connected via a front fender conductive charger coupling made by [[Yazaki]] Corporation. Both prototypes were well accepted.

The utility employee evaluators did not have to personally pay for the more costly and advanced NiMH batteries, and the NiMH RAV4 EV prototype received better reviews, due to its increased range. Its [[Electrical efficiency|energy efficiency]], however, was not as good as the PbA version. Due to the impracticality of developing two battery types for a limited volume program, Toyota opted for the higher-performance, higher-cost NiMH RAV4 EV. This resulted in a greater manufacturing cost, and higher purchase price.

A number of electric vehicle advocates voiced disappointment that the choice was made to manufacture only the NiMH version. Many electric vehicle advocates claimed that automaker's choice of the NiMH battery worked against the 1990s deployment of cost-effective electric vehicles based on PbA batteries, and that further development of lead–acid technology could result in performance equal to NiMH, but at a substantially lower price. Their argument was that a usable electric vehicle is possible at a substantially lower price, and that the lower purchase price would foster greater acceptance of electric vehicles. In fact, lithium-ion batteries soon displaced both nickel and lead from electromobiles.

===Corporate purchasing===
{{Unreferenced section|date=August 2007}}

Initially, RAV4 EVs were only available for three-year fleet lease, not for sale and not for lease to the public, at a few dealerships beginning in 1997. From 2001, leases were made available to small "fleets of one" purportedly run by small businesses.

===Public availability===
[[File:Toyota RAV 4 EV WAS 2010 8976.JPG|thumb|Rear view of one of the 328 RAV4 EVs available to the public.]]

In March 2002, due to a shift in corporate policy, the Toyota RAV4-EV was made available for sale to the general public. All 328 that Toyota made were sold. No one knows for certain what prompted Toyota to change their position on the RAV4-EV, since they had long since fulfilled their obligations under the MOA with the California Air Resources Board's zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate via its fleet lease program.

The [[Suggested retail price|MSRP]] was {{USD|42,000}}; but in California, ZIP-grant rebates of {{USD|9,000}}, decreasing in 2003 to {{USD|5,000}}, and a {{USD|4,000}} credit from the Internal Revenue Service brought the price down to a more palatable {{USD|29,000}} ({{USD|33,000}} for some 2003 deliveries), including the home charger.<ref>{{cite press release
|url=http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ETList/message/446
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105170606/http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ETList/message/446
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=January 5, 2013
|title=Actor/Environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. Is First Retail Customer of a Toyota RAV4-EV
|publisher=Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
|date=2002-03-04
|access-date=2009-09-01}}</ref>

More RAV4-EVs were sold than had been planned for manufacture through standard assembly line techniques. Toyota filled every order despite the fact that the last few dozen vehicles had to be assembled from spare parts due to a shortfall of production components (a significantly more expensive way of building a vehicle). This unexpected development caused deliveries to trickle on into September 2003. It also caused variations in the vehicles such as heated seats, retractable antennae, mats, etc.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}

The last of the 328 EVs was sold in November 2002.{{citation needed|date=January 2013}}

===Sales===
In the eight years up to 2003, the RAV4 EV achieved a sales performance of approximately 1,900 units,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Website {{!}} 75 Years of Toyota {{!}} Section 8. Integrating IT and Exploring New Energy Sources {{!}} Item 2. Responding to the Energy Problem |url=https://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/text/leaping_forward_as_a_global_corporation/chapter4/section8/item2.html |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.toyota-global.com}}</ref> of which 1,484 were leased and/or sold in California.<ref name=NYT0710>{{cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/toyota-and-tesla-plan-an-electric-rav4/|title=Toyota and Tesla Plan an Electric RAV4|author=Jim Motavalli|work=New York Times|date=2010-07-16|access-date=2010-07-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toyota.com/concept-vehicles/rav4ev.html |title=Toyota Concept Vehicles-- RAV4 EV |access-date=2012-01-22 |publisher=Toyota USA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123133646/http://www.toyota.com/concept-vehicles/rav4ev.html |archive-date=2012-01-23 }}</ref>

===Chevron patent encumbrance===
{{main|Patent encumbrance of large automotive NiMH batteries}}

Whether or not Toyota wanted to continue production, it was unlikely to be able to do so because the battery was no longer available. Chevron had inherited control of the worldwide patent rights for the NiMH battery when it merged with Texaco, which had purchased them from General Motors. Chevron's unit won a {{USD|30,000,000}} settlement from Toyota and Panasonic, the manufacturer of the battery, and the production line for the large NiMH batteries was closed down and dismantled. This case was settled in the ICC [[International Court of Arbitration]], and not publicized due to a [[gag order]] placed on Toyota.<ref name=Pelican>{{cite web|url=http://evworld.com/blogs/index.cfm?authorid=51&blogid=104&archive=1 |title=The NiMH Battery Industry Pelican Brief... Of A Sort |publisher=Evworld.com |access-date=2011-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103005354/http://evworld.com/blogs/index.cfm?authorid=51&blogid=104&archive=1 |archive-date=2010-01-03 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Ovanic>{{cite web|url=http://www.ovonic.com/PDFs/Financial_Reports/form_8k/8k_mbi_patent_infringe_settlement_7july04.pdf |title=NIMH Battery Patent Lawsuit |publisher=Ovonic.com |access-date=2011-01-07 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040717233048/http://www.ovonic.com/PDFs/Financial_Reports/form_8k/8k_mbi_patent_infringe_settlement_7july04.pdf |archive-date=2004-07-17}}</ref> Only [[Cobasys#Patent dispute with Panasonic EV Energy|smaller NiMH batteries]], incapable of powering an electric vehicle or plugging in, were allowed by Chevron-Texaco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1198|title=NiMH Batteries: Obsolete Technology or Suppressed EV Solution?|author=Forbes Bagatell-Black|date=2007-02-23|publisher=EV World|access-date=2009-09-01|archive-date=2011-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108033850/http://evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=1198|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{anchor|XA30|Second generation}}

== Second generation (2012) ==
{{Infobox electric vehicle
| name = Second generation
| image = Toyota RAV4 EV WAS 2012 0791.JPG
| caption = Toyota RAV4 EV second generation (QEA38)
| production = 2012&ndash;2014
| assembly = Canada: [[Woodstock, Ontario]] ([[Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada|TMMC]])
| motor = {{convert|115|kW|hp|abbr=on}}  [[Asynchronous motor|AC induction motor]] from [[Tesla Motors]]<ref name=RAV4EVspecs/>
| transmission = Single-speed transaxle, 9.73:1 ratio
| battery = [[Panasonic]] {{val|41.8|u=kWh}} [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion]]<ref name=RAV4EVspecs/>
| range = {{convert|103|mi|km|abbr=on}} ([[FTP-75|EPA]])
| wheelbase = {{convert|2560|-|2660|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|4395|-|4620|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1815|-|1855|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|4030|lb|abbr=on}}
| charging = 9.6{{nbsp}}kW 100{{ndash}}240{{nbsp}}V onboard charger for 1Φ 40{{nbsp}}A using [[SAE J1772]] connector
}}

The second generation RAV4 EV was released in September 2012 starting at a price of {{USD|49,800}} before any government incentives.<ref name=RAV4price/><ref name=MT0912>{{cite news|url=http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-toyota-rav4-ev-gets-epa-rated-103-mile-range-76-mpge-combined-262001.html|title=2012 Toyota RAV4 EV Gets EPA-Rated 103-Mile Range, 76 MPGe Combined|author=Karla Sanchez|work=[[Motor Trend]]|date=2012-09-14|access-date=2012-09-19}}</ref> Toyota also offered a 36-month lease option at {{USD|599}} per month with down payment of {{USD|3,499}}.<ref name=MT0912/> The RAV4 EV was sold only in California, and sales began in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]], [[Los Angeles]]/[[Orange County, California|Orange County]] and [[San Diego]]. Production was limited to 2,600 during three years.<ref name=RAV4price/><ref name=Calif12>{{cite web|url=http://wardsauto.com/ar/toyota_evs_prius_110810/|title=Toyota Planning More EVs; Expecting Regional Demand for Prius Plug-In|author=Christie Schweinsberg|publisher=Ward Auto|date=2011-08-10|access-date=2011-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825154655/http://wardsauto.com/ar/toyota_evs_prius_110810/|archive-date=2011-08-25|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Calif0112>{{cite web|url=http://www.plugincars.com/toyota-reveals-details-electric-rav4-scion-iq-launch-111538.html|title=Toyota Confirms Limited Production of Electric RAV4 and Scion iQ in 2012|author=Brad Berman|publisher=PluginCars.com|date=2012-01-16|access-date=2012-01-22}}</ref> The RAV4 EV was available to individual consumers and fleet customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/07/rav4ev-20110719.html|title=Toyota to sell RAV4 EV to public and fleets in 2012|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2011-07-19|access-date=2011-07-19}}</ref> Due to the capacity of its battery pack the RAV4 EV qualified for the maximum {{USD|7,500}} [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles#Federal government|federal tax credit]] and also was eligible for a {{USD|2,500}} [[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles#California|rebate in California]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/02/4686615/the-all-electric-toyota-rav4-ev.html|title=The All-Electric Toyota RAV4 EV First Drive|author=Toyota PR Newswire|work=[[The Sacramento Bee]]|date=2012-08-04|access-date=2012-08-04}}{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> A total of 192 units were sold during 2012 and 1,096 during 2013.<ref name=Sales2013US>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/december-2013-dashboard/|title=December 2013 Dashboard|author=Jeff Cobb|publisher=HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates|date=2014-01-06|access-date=2014-08-20}}</ref> A total of 2,489 units were sold in the U.S. through April 2015.<ref name=Sales2013US/><ref name=Sales112014US>{{cite news|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/november-2014-dashboard/|title=November 2014 Dashboard|author=Jeff Cobb|work=HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates|date=2014-12-03|access-date=2014-12-07}} ''See section "November 2014 Battery Electric Car Sales Numbers" ''</ref><ref name=Sales042015US>{{cite news|url=http://www.hybridcars.com/april-2015-dashboard/|title=April 2015 Dashboard|author=Jeff Cobb|work=HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates|date=2015-05-02|access-date=2015-06-20}} ''A total of 17 RAV4 EVs and 1 Honda Fit EV were sold during the first four months of 2015.''</ref> The production run ended in September 2014.<ref name=ProdEnd/>

===History===
The first prototype was built in just three weeks after the signing of a joint development agreement where Toyota helped the then fledgling electric automaker [[Tesla, Inc.|Tesla]] start production in the [[NUMMI]] factory Toyota was vacating in Fremont, California. Toyota's partner [[Panasonic]] was also involved in the development, just as when Toyota developed the first generation of the RAV4 EV.<ref name=Prototype2010>{{cite news|url=http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T101220003547.htm |title=Toyota thinks outside the box |date=2010-12-21|author=Nobuyuki Kojima and Takanori Yamamoto |publisher=Yomiuri Shimbun }}</ref> The electric SUV was developed by Tesla and Toyota Technical Center U.S.A. in Michigan.<ref name="Prototype2010" /> Testing began in July 2010.<ref name=GCC0710>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/07/tesla-tmc-20100716.html#more|title=Tesla and Toyota Formalize Agreement to Develop Electric Version of RAV4; Targeting US Sales in 2012|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2010-07-16|access-date=2010-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/tesla-and-toyota-to-develop-rav4-ev-hope-to-launch-in-2012/|title=Tesla and Toyota to develop RAV4 EV, hope to launch in 2012|publisher=[[Autoblog.com|Autoblog]]|date=2010-07-16|access-date=2010-07-16}}</ref>

A demonstrator was unveiled at the [[LA Auto Show#2010|November 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show]]. Toyota built 35 of these converted RAV4s (Phase Zero vehicles) for a demonstration and evaluation program that ran through 2011. The lithium metal-oxide battery and other power train components were supplied by Tesla.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/11/rav4ev-20101117.html#more|title=Toyota unveils RAV4 EV demonstration vehicle; targeting {{Sic|hide=y|fully|-}}engineered version in 2012 for market|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2010-11-17|access-date=2010-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/2012-toyota-rav4-ev-take-two/?ref=automobiles|title=2012 Toyota RAV4-EV: Take Two|author=Tori Tellem|work=[[New York Times]]|date=2010-11-17|access-date=2010-11-18}}</ref> These prototypes had a {{convert|660|lb|kg|abbr=on|0}} [[lithium-ion battery]] pack with a 50 [[kWh]] total capacity (37 kWh usable) and achieved a [[all-electric range|range]] of between {{Convert|80|and|120|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ben Wojdyla |date=2011-04-26 |title=2012 Toyota RAV4 EV Prototype Test Drive |work=[[Popular Mechanics]] |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/hybrid-electric/2012-toyota-rav4-ev-prototype-test-drive |access-date=2011-05-07}}</ref> The prototypes used components from the [[Tesla Roadster (first generation)]].<ref name="RAV4EVspecs">{{cite web |date=2012-08-10 |title=Toyota RAV4 EV key for meeting California ZEV requirements; Tesla powertrain uses Model S components |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/08/rav4ev-20120803.html |access-date=2012-08-04 |publisher=Green Car Congress}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jerry Garrett |date=2012-08-03 |title=Toyota and Tesla Trot Out the RAV4 EV |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/03/toyota-and-tesla-trot-out-the-rav4-ev/?ref=automobiles |access-date=2012-08-04}}</ref>

On July 15, 2011, Tesla entered into a supply and services agreement with Toyota for the supply of a validated electric powertrain system, including a battery, charging system, inverter, motor, gearbox and associated software.<ref>[http://green.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/tesla-scores-100-million-toyota-rav4-ev-related-contract/ Tesla scores $100 million Toyota RAV4 EV-related contract]</ref>

The re-engineered RAV4 EV production version (Phase One vehicle) was unveiled at the May 2012 International Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2012/04/rav4ev-20120430.html|title=Toyota to debut new RAV4 EV at EVS 26|author=Toyota Motor Sales USA|publisher=Green Car Congress|date=2012-04-30|access-date=2012-04-30}}</ref> Production models use the [[SAE J1772]] charging standard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://green.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/toyota-rav4-ev-quick-spin-review/|title=Autoblog Green Quick Spin: Toyota RAV4 EV 2012|publisher=[[Autoblog Green]]|date=2011-04-11|access-date=2011-04-15}}</ref> The battery pack, electronics and powertrain components in the production version are similar to those in used in the [[Tesla Model S]] sedan launched in June 2012.

===Powertrain===
The second generation RAV4 EV combines an electric powertrain from Tesla and a battery produced by Panasonic in a chassis built by Toyota.

The [[electric motor]] supplied by Tesla is an AC [[induction motor]], a departure from Toyota's practice of using synchronous [[Permanent-magnet electric motor#Permanent-magnet motors|permanent-magnet motor]]s in their [[hybrid electric vehicle]]s. A fixed-gear open-differential transaxle has a gear ratio of 9.73.<ref name="RAV4EVspecs" /> The RAV4 EV weighs {{convert|4030|lb|abbr=on}}, {{convert|470|lb|abbr=on}} heavier than a front-wheel drive RAV4 Limited with the V-6 engine.<ref name="GCR0812" />

The RAV 4 offers two drive modes: Normal and Sport. Peak power output of the motor is {{convert|115|kW|hp|abbr=on}}, with peak torque in normal mode of {{convert|296|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on|-1}}, and peak torque in sport mode of {{convert|370|Nm|ftlb|abbr=on|-1}}. Maximum vehicle speed in Normal mode is {{convert|85|mph|abbr=on}}, and maximum in Sport mode, which also has a more aggressive accelerator pedal feel, is {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="GCR0812" /><ref name="RAV4EVspecs" /> The [[US Environmental Protection Agency]] rated the RAV4 EV combined [[fuel economy in automobiles|economy]] at {{Convert|76|mpge|abbr=out|lk=in}} , with {{Convert|78|mpge|abbr=on}} in city driving and {{Convert|74|mpge|abbr=on}} on highways.<ref name="MT0912" /> While the quarter mile time is not officially rated from Toyota, the RAV4 EV (FWD) Facebook community has posted dragslip results of 15.71s at {{cvt|85.5|mph}}. This is only marginally slower than the RAV4 V6 AWD (with 269HP) which has [https://www.motortrend.com/news/numbers-1999-2011-toyota-rav4-75607/ published quarter mile times] of 14.8-14.9 at {{cvt|93|mph}}.

===Battery and range===
The battery pack is a 386 V [[lithium-ion battery]] pack comprising about 4,500 cells and rated at 41.8&nbsp;kW·h of usable energy at full charge, with a maximum power output of 129&nbsp;kW. The RAV4 EV features a 10&nbsp;kW onboard charger (SAE J1772 240 V, 40 A input).<ref name=RAV4EVspecs/> The battery pack is located below the floorpan, reducing the ground clearance as compared with the gasoline-powered version by a couple of inches, but the electric SUV's cargo space of {{convert|36.4|cuft}} is the same as its gasoline sibling. The battery pack weighs {{convert|840|lb|abbr=on}} and because it is located in the lowest part of the vehicle, the lower [[center of gravity]] provides a better handling than the conventional Toyota RAV4.<ref name=GCR0812/>
[[File:Toyota RAV4 EV badge WAS 2012 0790.jpg|thumb|Toyota electric car badge used in the RAV4 EV]]
The RAV4 EV has two charge modes: Standard and Extended. In standard mode, the high voltage battery charges only up to 35 kWh and Toyota expected the electric SUV to achieve an EPA driving range rating of {{convert|92|mi|km|abbr=on}} for this charging mode. Extended mode allows the battery to charge to its full usable capacity of 41.8 kWh, providing an expected EPA driving range of {{convert|113|mi|km|abbr=on}} according to Toyota estimates.<ref name=RAV4EVspecs/> The EPA rated just one range of {{convert|103|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=MT0912/> Standard mode is designed to optimize battery life over range; however, the 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty cover the packs regardless of the mix of charge modes over the pack's life. However, due to EPA's procedures, Toyota expects the [[Monroney label]] to show the combined range of {{convert|103|mi|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name=GCR0812/><ref name=RAV4EVspecs/>

Charging time with a 40 A/240 V charging station is 5 hours in Standard Mode and 6 hours for Extended Mode; the onboard charger delivers 9.6&nbsp;kW. Toyota had arranged with [[Leviton]] to offer a custom [[level 1, 2, and 3 charging|level 2]] charging station priced at {{USD|1,590}} including basic installation.<ref name=LEV0113>{{cite web|url=http://toyota.leviton.com/solutions/rav4ev|title=Charging Solutions For The RAV4 EV|access-date=2013-01-25}}</ref> On the other end of the scale, and due to its large battery pack, charging at 120 volts with the cord that comes standard under the rear deck takes 44 hours for Standard Mode and 52 hours for Extended Mode.<ref name=GCR0812/><ref name=RAV4EVspecs/>
An aftermarket company called Quick Charge Power <ref>shop.QuickChargePower.com</ref> has come up with a way to add 48&nbsp;kW [[CHAdeMO]] DC Quick Charging to the RAV4ev which dramatically shortens charge times for the 41.8 kWh battery. This can make the car tremendously more useful in areas where this charging infrastructure exists.

===Production===
The RAV4 EV began assembly in 2012 at [[Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada]] in [[Woodstock, Ontario]] alongside the regular gasoline version. Tesla built the electric powertrain at its plant at Toyota's old [[NUMMI]] facility, now the [[Tesla Fremont Factory]], in [[Fremont, California]], and then shipped them to Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/toyota-canada-idUSN1E7740QJ20110805|title=Ontario gets Toyota's first non-Japan electric vehicle|publisher=Reuters|date=2011-08-05|access-date=2011-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/05/tesla-powered-toyota-rav4-e-v-to-be-built-in-canada-not-california/?emc=eta1|title=Tesla-Powered Toyota RAV4 E.V. to Be Built in Canada, Not California|author=Jim Motavalli|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2011-08-05|access-date=2011-08-10}}</ref> About 2,500 RAV4 EV vehicles were built between 2012 and 2014. The battery supply deal between Toyota and Tesla concluded with the end of production in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-09/tesla-says-battery-supply-deal-for-toyota-rav4-ev-to-end.html |title=Tesla Says Battery-Supply Deal for Toyota RAV4 EV to End| first = Alan | last = Ohnsman|work=[[Bloomberg News]] |date=2014-05-10|access-date=2014-08-20}}</ref> In 2017, Toyota sold all its shares in Tesla.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.industryweek.com/finance/article/22018589/toyota-sells-stake-in-tesla |title=Toyota Sells Stake in Tesla |work=Industry Week |location=US |date=2017-06-04 |access-date=2022-08-03}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Patent encumbrance of large automotive NiMH batteries]]
*[[Chevron Corporation]]
*[[Toyota]]
*[[Tesla Motors]]
*[[Electric vehicle]]
*[[Battery electric vehicle]]
*[[PZEV]]
*[[SULEV]]
*[[AT-PZEV]]
*[[Energy Conversion Devices Ovonics]]
*[[Government incentives for plug-in electric vehicles]]
*[[List of electric cars currently available]]
*[[List of modern production plug-in electric vehicles]]
*[[Plug-in electric vehicle]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Toyota RAV4 EV}}
*[http://toyota.com/rav4ev Toyota USA's official RAV EV web site].

{{Toyota Motor Corporation}}
{{Modern North American Toyota trucks}}
{{Toyota road light truck/SUV/crossover timeline, 1985–date}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Toyota Rav4 Ev}}
[[Category:Toyota vehicles|RAV4 EV]]
[[Category:Production electric cars]]
[[Category:Crossover sport utility vehicles]]
[[Category:Electric vehicles introduced in the 20th century]]
[[Category:Electric vehicles introduced in the 21st century]]