Toyota RAV4 EV, Prices Start at $49,800

Toyota chose the second day of the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles to present the world premiere of the production RAV4 EV featuring a pure-electric driveline developed by Tesla Motors. While based on the current RAV4, the Japanese automaker is commanding almost twice the price of the popular SUV's top trim-level (Limited: $25,530) for the electric model that will begin arriving in select showrooms this summer with an MSRP of $49,800 before any state and federal incentives.
The RAV4 EV's Tesla-developed driveline combines an electric motor producing a maximum output of 154hp (115kW) with a battery mounted low and to the center of the vehicle.
The front wheel drive-only electric SUV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal. Toyota says that when Sport mode is selected, the RAV4 EV reaches 0-60 mph (96km/h) in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 100 mph (160km/h). In Normal mode, 0-60 mph comes after 8.6 seconds with the SUV reaching a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).
According to the Japanese automaker, the RAV4 EV has an expected driving range of around 100 miles (160 kilometers) and a charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger. Toyota said the battery warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000km).
Aside from replacing the regular RAV4's internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery assembly, Toyota also made changes to the SUV's exterior styling to improve its coefficient of drag (0.30 Cd). These changes include the re-styled front bumper, upper and lower grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler, and under body design. The SUV also features LED daytime running lamps and new exterior emblems in the signature blue hue we find in other eco-friendly Toyota models.
Inside, the EV gets a unique “Neutron” fabric on the seat inserts and door trim, plus a redesigned instrument panel and an eight-inch touch screen featuring navigation, telematics, and EV drive information and settings. Toyota says that no interior space is lost in the vehicle due to EV components.
Toyota said it plans to produce approximately 2,600 units of the RAV4 EV over the next three years. The SUV's driveline will be built at Tesla's production facility in Palo Alto, California and then shipped to Toyota's Canadian plant for final assembly into the RAV4.
The first RAV4 EVs will begin arriving in late summer in four major California metropolitan markets including Sacramento, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles/Orange County and San Diego, with more cities to be added down the line.
“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division. “It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance. We look forward to seeing how the market responds."

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Tesla Unveils New Model X CUV with Falcon Wings and Seven seats

The electric carmaker named after one of the most original and greatest inventors and thinkers of all time introduced a brand new CUV called the Model X, which is based on the running gear and chassis of the Model S sedan. Tesla says its latest creation fuses the utility of MPVs with the style of SUVs offering an available all-wheel drive option and seating for seven in three rows of seats.
The 195.9-inch (4,976mm) long Model X comes complete with a pair of rear side doors that rise up and hang like bird wings – hence the name "Falcon Wings".
"Falcon Wings open up and out of the way, in even the narrowest of parking spots. You easily step, not climb, into Model X," says Tesla.
There are three rows of seats for seven passengers inside while the Model features two trunks, one at the back and one at the front. The front passengers get a humongous 17-inch touchscreen on the center console that controls most of the interior's functions.
The base Model X is offered with a 60 or 85 kWh battery mounted under the chassis. Whereas the Model S is offered only with rear-wheel drive, the Model X is optionally available with a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. The second motor increases torque by 50 percent and in combination with the larger battery pack it accelerates the CUV from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in less than 5 seconds.
Seen here in prototype form, the Model X is expected to enter production in late 2013, with first deliveries in early 2014.
According to Tesla, the Model X will be priced comparable to a similarly equipped Model S, which carries an MSRP of $67,400 for the 60 kWh version and $77,400 for the 85 kWh variant, not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.

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