Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by electric motors.
Toyota has unveiled its new RAV4 electric vehicle at the LA Auto Show. The demonstration vehicle is based on the company’s combustion engine model with a few modifications to the suspension and the steering. With some other cosmetic changes also included, the vehicle is fitted with an electric powertrain and batteries supplied by Tesla.
The company has also planned a fleet of 35 vehicles with a target range of 100 miles in actual road driving conditions. Currently, the RAV4 has a mid-30KWh range lithium metal oxide battery, which adds about 220 pounds of weight over the conventional V6 model. However, even with the added weight, Toyota believes that the demonstrator vehicle will accelerate from zero to 60 almost as fast.
While there is no firm commitment on the production volume, price and variants, the company hopes to have the EV to market in 2012. Tesla will be building the battery and related components for the vehicle but no decision has been made on where the final assembly will take place.
Via: Gizmag
