With RAV4 still raging fine, Toyota collaborates with Tesla in the cause of gifting the common man an EV version of the SUV. The second generation of SUV is subjected to a series of 35-vehicle test run and analysis, tantamount to those of Mini E’s pilot program, while the vehicles in production awaits launch in 2012, provided no catastrophe hits the scenario.
The process of making the RAV4 EV was a two-staged phenomenon — while Toyota engineers looked into the power train upgradation, Tesla masterminds developed the battery system.
Toyota announced the final weight of the EV version of Toyota’s CR-V fighter has gone up to 220 lbs more than the V6 model, without any affect in its acceleration. The weight gain had to be compensated with steering and suspension components; modification and maintenance of proper balance.
The external look is changed to an all new front end, with internal modifications included push button transmission shifter, EV-only displays or meters, and a new seat trim. Official number or information related to production have not been released, but Toyota subjects the vehicles to tests using lithium metal oxide battery so as to get usable energy of around 30-35 kwh.
Source: carscoop
