CARBARN | Toyota RAV4 EV (2012) | Last week, We passed along the news That Toyota would be showcasing its electric RAV4, a vehicle being developed in conjunction with Tesla, at the LA auto show. What we do know from seeing the car on the show floor Is that the first round of the Tesla-Toyota RAV4s Will Visually differ from the gas-powered models, a new front-fascia treatment loses the traditional grille and adds LED fog lights while the rear end receives a new tailgate without the RAV4's standard spare-tire carrier.
Tesla Toyota reiterated That Will be Responsible for building the EV's lithium-ion battery pack and powertrain components. The team's first goal is to Produce 35 test vehicles, also Referred to as "phase 0 cars," for testing in 2011 before beginning production of the RAV4 EV the following year. Toyota says it's aiming to make-the "phase 1 cars," due out around 2012, drives like a conventional RAV4.
Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle Toyota plans to bring to market in 2012, have not been decided.
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