One of the most popular Toyota cars is undoubtedly the RAV4 crossover. Both the usual internal combustion engine versions and hybrids are widespread. In this article we will review the Toyota RAV4 EV - the famous electric crossover.
The history of the car
The electric Toyota RAV4 EV first saw the light of day in 1997, when it was produced in limited numbers. The model was most often rented by various services. In 2003, it was announced that the production was stopped.
The second "coming" was in 2012. The new car was a joint venture between Toyota and Tesla, and an agreement was signed between them in 2010. In the same year, the first tests of the upgraded version began. All in all, about 2,500 cars were sold. In 2015, the model ceased to exist.
Toyota RAV4 EV exterior
Externally, the electric version is quite different from its gasoline counterparts. The radiator grille has been removed and replaced with a green element. The beeper has become more maccular and more refined. The headlights are now in long recesses and have been designed in a contrary way. The headlights have been given a slanted headlight with three sharp-edged LEDs.
In the profile of the RAV4 EV, it is worth highlighting the exterior lines at the bottom of the doors and the smooth lines of the body. The roof is almost curved, flowing smoothly into the luggage compartment. On the front door is the inscription - Electric Toyota.
The rear is characterized by a triangular-shaped frame, a kpypnym bumper and a spoiler, which is illuminated at the bottom.
Toyota RAV4 EV body dimensions: length - 4.574 m, width - 1.816 m, height - 1.684 m.
Interior of the Toyota RAV4 EV
The interior is designed in a minimalist style. Everything you need is at your fingertips and conveniently arranged.
The dashboard
The instrument panel is represented by a single color display. Diagonal is 3.5 inches. Conventionally divided into 3 blocks: speedometer, battery status with tachometer and information about the condition of the car.
Center console
The top of the console is taken up by the ventilation deflectors, they are also cut into blocks, but they are round. Next, in the glossy plastic line is the LCD display of the multimedia system. Below is a function block of keys for various settings.
Multimedia
The LCD display of the infotainment system is 8 inches diagonal. Navigation and synchronization with the devices is available.
Trunk
The volume of the luggage compartment is 1,031 liters. 2067 liters is also possible.
Seats
The cabin can accommodate 5 people. Front row - standard seats with head restraints and weakly pronounced side support. Rear row is a sofa of 3 seats. Capable of folding.
Technical characteristics of the Toyota RAV4 EV
The electric crossover is equipped with a pivot. It is built on the basis of the gasoline version and has a decent car performance. The main technical characteristics of the Toyota RAV4 EV are presented in the table.
Gearbox | Reduction gear |
Ground clearance | 150mm |
Wheelbase | 2659 mm |
Steering radius | 5.5 m |
Track width at the front and rear (width) | 1461 mm and 1466 mm |
Weight | 1,829 tonnes |
Wheels | 225/65 R17 |
Top brakes (front and rear) | Disc inserts/discs |
Toyota RAV4 EV engine
The traction unit is installed under the engine compartment. It is an electric motor with a power of 115 kW (154 hp). The maximum torque is 296 nm. It rises to 327 nm in the competitive mode.
Toyota RAV4 EV dynamics
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for the RAV4 EV is 8.6 seconds. The top speed is 136.8 km/h. Activating the Sport mode reduces the figures by 7 seconds and 160 km/h, respectively.
Battery and range (mileage) on a single charge
The Toyota RAV4 EV is powered by a block of lithium-ion batteries. The capacity is 41.8 kWh. The operating voltage reaches 360 V. Consists of 4,500 cells. The peak output power is 129 kW. Toyota RAV4 EV battery is installed in the back. The battery has a weight of 380 kg. It is enough to drive 160 km. When you activate the sports mode, it will go up to 125 km.
Power reserve in winter
In severe weather, the battery capacity decreases. If you do not leave the car in the cold, warm it up, the range of the Toyota RAV4 will be 120 km.
Charging the Toyota RAV4
The car supports two charging modes: standard and advanced. With the second one, the operating time is reduced, but it allows you to use all the possibilities of the battery to get the best mileage. Toyota guarantees 160,000 km of mileage or 8 years of service, regardless of the charging mode used.
The charging time of a RAV4 electric car from a 40 A station will be 5 hours, and 6 hours in a car. On the market you can also find a 48 kW CHAdeMO DC fast charger, which will significantly reduce the time. When using the home network, the time is 10 hours.
Toyota RAV 4 EV suspension and control system
The Toyota RAV4 EV is equipped with a torque limiter, which is standard for electric cars. It transmits by force the torque from the electric motor to the wheels. There is no problem with use.
The front axle is equipped with a nondesigned, amoptic McPherson-type strut. The rear axle has a double wishbone suspension.
Steering and logistics
Drives the Toyota RAV4 EV electrically well. The installation of the battery pack made it possible to reduce the center of the car, increasing the driving force. Heavy enough crossover easily maneuvers in the stream. Turns are passed without skidding and significant roll, even at high speed.
Ventilated disc brakes are installed on the front axle for efficient traction. The rear axle was equipped with conventional disc brakes.
Safety
The car is equipped with a whole range of safety features.
It includes:
complete set of airbags;
ISOFIX anchorages;
ABS, EBD, BAS, ESP, TCS;
hill start assistance;
cruise control;
tire pressure monitoring.
For the safety of the driver and passengers are also worth of active head restraints on the front row, and three-point safety brakes.
Toyota RAV4 EV options
The Toyota RAV4 EV is only available in the one standard package described above.
It also includes:
rearview mirrors with turn signals;
17-inch alloy wheels;
FM/AM antenna;
dual zone automatic climate control with air filter and 5.7" TFT display with numeric charts;
IntelliTouch™ navigation system;
power steering wheels;
leather steering wheel upholstery.
Who is suitable for it?
The electric crossover is suitable for people living in big cities. There are plenty of charging stations, so there is no problem with a quick "refueling" of the battery. The capacity of the luggage compartment and spacious interior will also be appreciated by families, but long trips in the car are excluded, because the mileage on a single charge is small.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the pros of the Toyota RAV4 it is worth noting:
+fast charging
+dynamic
+reliability
+safety
+multifunctionality
Of the disadvantages stand out:
-low power reserve
-short run
Conclusion
The electric crossover Toyota RAV4 EV is an excellent example of how a popular car can be adapted to electricity. It is possible that in the future there will be a rebirth of this car, which will be a new step in the automotive industry.
