New RAV4E developed with Tesla to be shown in November

Be nice if Tesla provided styling as well as the batteries and motor.

 

It would be nice if they could *lower* that electric system into a *car*. I own a Corolla. My friend owns a RAV4. I have driven my friend's RAV4 and the engine and transmission feel identical. I'm sure Toyota could easily put the electric system into a Corolla or Yaris instead of an SUV.

 

RAV4 design can accommodate the battery without compromising the interior as much as it would a corolla or yaris.

 

I wish they'd just put the Prius Hybrid system in the Rav-4 and get it to market. My wife won't give up her SUV, but said she'd consider a Hybrid if they made a decent Hybrid SUV. Yes, I know there already are Hybrid SUVs, but to me the Hybrid Tahoe is a waste, costs way to much and gas mileage is less than the CR-V she currently drives. She does not like the look of the Ford Escape, so that's out as well. When we purchased the CR-V, it was between it and the Rav-4. The CR-V won because of the Nav (you can operate it while driving).

Unfortunately, the EV Rav-4 would probably not work for us either, because it would be to much of a bother to plug it in! Which would mean I would be rescuing her every time the battery ran down... A Hybrid system like that in the Prius is the answer!, If it got 40 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, I would be a happy camper! The technology is already there, make it happen!

Better yet, develop a clean diesel hybrid for the Rav-4 that would get gas mileage along the lines of the Prius and still have the towing capability of the current Rav-4.

 

Actually you might be surprised.
We found (on getting an EV) that it is far more convenient plugging it in than wasting time stopping at a gas station.
As a side benefit, I also have save a lot of money by not always buying junk food at the gas stations

Of course, if your daily driving takes you further than the range of the car that wouldn't work for you. But strictly on convenience, in our experience the EV wins hands down.

 

I prefered the previous gen's style over the new one's more truckish appearance.
What of the Mercury Mariner? I haven't had look at them side by side, but even a minor difference can be enough to change a person's opinion.

 

Quite honestly, I believe it's more an adversion to FoMoCo than it is the looks of the vehicle! At one point in our lives, all we owned were Fords! Guess she got burned out...

 

A corolla does not have room for the battery, it would need a redesign. A yaris might, but who would be willing to pay that much for an electric drive train in a yaris. I don't think anyone will be building a much lower priced bev than the leaf for sometime. The bev focus will also be entering this segment of the market. A Rav4 BEV has the space for batteries and is unique enough to command a premium price over the leaf. The vehicle does seem more conducive to the PHEV concept though, as range for camping trips will be limited by the battery pack. Maybe they will make it with an AER of 150 miles or greater.

 

I would rather they make an EV Prius. Much better Cd (.25 vs .33) and lighter. Both are important for EV range. Plus, I can't see myself EVER buying an SUV, not even a small one. Stick to hatchbacks and wagons.

There is no reason for the 'bulked up', high clearance SUV and lousy mileage that comes with that. RAV and CRV seat how many? Yep, 5, just like a Prius. For those who frequently need more cargo space, Toyota could make a slightly larger EV CAR. For those of us with occasional need, a receiver hitch and cargo tray carry bulk. For the occasional trip (though a big hit on mileage) one can get a roof top carrier. Still, you aren't getting bad MPG ALL the time just so you have the cargo space for the occasional need.

 

Anyone have any ideas (or speculation) on what the EV range might be on the new Rav4 EV? Maybe 100 to 125 miles per charge?

 

The Rav-4 is already well received. This is a brilliant move. Reminds me of how they made the RX the first luxury hybrid.