Rumors started last week that the upcoming 2012 Toyota Rav4 EV would be for sale to fleet and car sharing programs only and that the general public wouldn't get the opportunity for an electric crossover.
Toyota issued a press release today shutting down that rumor saying that "The 2012 Rav4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the Rav4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota."
Toyota will be bringing two EVs to the public in 2012, the Rav4 EV and the Scion iQ EV.
throwback says:
11:10 AM, 07/19/11
Whew, ed begley doesn't have to jump off his solar panel now.
windsor5 says:
11:13 AM, 07/19/11
Its amazing how quick you can slap something together when companies work together this is also a big win for tesla to
cincygt2009 says:
11:47 AM, 07/19/11
While it MAY be an option, it is NOT one I will exercise! Toyota (UGH) + EV (UGH) = BORING^2
stovt001 says:
11:50 AM, 07/19/11
Oh good, what I've always wanted was a too-tall wagon with limited range and a cargo door that still opens in entirely the wrong direction. Seriously Toyota, the whole driving world is not just like Japan. Most of the rest of us drive (and park) on the correct side of the road.
heidis says:
01:34 PM, 07/19/11
@stovt001, this isn't new territory for 'Yota on this side of the globe. Their EV Plus program was very well received in fleets. I know our local municipalities here in the Bay Area were users and were quite happy with them. They still may be up and running in some places.
I'm seeing more and more EV's on the road too. In the past month, I've spotted no less than five different Leafs about town and on the freeways and at least two Tesla roadsters at the office. I see no reason why consumers here in my area wouldn't be excited to give these RAV4's a chance as long as the range is up to par with other EV's. Personally, I'm glad to see more segments getting EV options.
stovt001 says:
02:24 PM, 07/19/11
My comments were mostly related to the Rav4's design flaw that has the rear hatch opening to the right, which makes loading stuff into the rear cargo area difficult for the drivers in markets that drive on the right side of the road, and therefore park with the right side of the car facing the sidewalk. Marry that problem to all the inherent limitations for average commuters trying to use an EV, and this car has some issues.
tmanz says:
03:18 PM, 07/19/11
"which makes loading stuff into the rear cargo area difficult for the drivers in markets that drive on the right side of the road, "
Either side makes it difficult for drivers that like to park in their garage and don't want to have to open the garage door every time they want to get something out of the back.
transpower says:
09:37 AM, 07/21/11
Nah. I would like to see a Diesel-Electric Rav4, not an all-electric. Please offer this, Toyota!