Cleaner Cars = Cleaner Environment

That is the reasoning behind Toyota's environmental technology efforts. We constantly strive to be a leader in the development of new technology that will reduce the impact our vehicles have on the environment.

Well, it is completely possible if you are driving Toyota's new RAV4-EV electric sport utility vehicle!

The RAV4-EV is a totally electric vehicle which features a powerful motor and high-capacity nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack that allows the vehicle a range of 125 miles before charging. And, because it's electric, there is no exhaust.

With four doors and seating for five the RAV4-EV compliments environmental friendliness with comfort. All RAV4-EVs are equipped with spilt fold-down rear seats, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, a heated windshield, heated driver and front passenger seats, and a heat-pump type air conditioner, among other options.

To provide maximum range for the new RAV4-EV Toyota's engineers chose an advanced nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack. Providing performance unavailable from common lead-acid batteries, the Matsushita-designed NiMH battery allows the RAV-4 to travel at speeds up to 78 mph with a city range of approximately 125 miles.

Power is provided to the RAV4-EV by a permanent-magnet motor mounted under the hood. This maintenance-free unit produces 50kW of power (equivalent to a 67-horsepower gasoline engine) and 190Nm of torque (approximately 140 lb./ft.). Because an electric motor produces peak torque regardless of engine revolutions or vehicle speed, the RAV4-EV accelerates well from a standing start with a zero-to-60 performance of about 18 seconds.

Charging the RAV4-EV is easy and inexpensive. The vehicle requires a 220-volt, 30-amp outlet for its conductive charging systems and carries all charging equipment on-board, eliminating the need to purchase additional equipment. The charger incorporates a timer function allowing the vehicle to be charged during off-peak hours when electricity is least expensive, and automatically turns off when charging is completed.

The RAV4-EV currently is offered only to U.S. fleet buyers (ten or more vehicles to electric utility companies, municipal governments or private corporations) at a purchase price of $42,000 or at a lease price of $457 per month. Initial fleet customers include Southern California Edison, Georgia Power and Light and New York's Consolidated Edison.

After examining the RAV4-EV's performance in our fleet customers' use, we may begin selling the RAV4-EV to the general public after the year 2000.