Toyota is building the second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV. In 2011, 35 vehicles will be built for a demonstration program. Then expect the RAV4 EV to be in showrooms in 2012. The cool thing is that this version is expected to have a range of 100 miles. Given Toyota's track record on the last RAV4 EV which I did drive; when they say a range they mean it.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota is building the second-generation Toyota RAV4 EV. In 2011, 35 vehicles will be built for a demonstration program. Then expect the RAV4 EV to be in showrooms in 2012. The cool thing is that this version is expected to have a range of 100 miles. Given Toyota's track record on the last RAV4 EV which I did drive; when they say a range they mean it.
"When we decided to work together on the RAV4 EV, President Akio Toyoda wanted to adopt a new development model that incorporated Tesla's streamlined, quick-action approach," said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, TMS. "The result was a hybrid - a new decision and approval process and a development style that our engineers refer to as "fast and flexible."

Tesla Motors was responsible for building and supplying the battery, as well as other related parts, that met specific Toyota engineering specifications in performance, quality and durability. Toyota was responsible for development and manufacturing leadership and the seamless integration of the powertrain.

The demonstration vehicle Toyota is currently testing is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. 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.

As for a final assembly location, Toyota is considering many options and combinations. The basic vehicle will continue to be built at its Canadian production facility in Woodstock, Ontario. Tesla will build the battery and related parts and components at its new facility in Palo Alto, Calif. The method and installation location of the Tesla components into the vehicle is being discussed.