Toyota discounts RAV4 EV for extra $5000 + $2500

it’s pretty clear that the only manufacturers NOT considering EVs as pure compliance vehicles are Nissan and Tesla.

 

I believe Toyota and Tesla are partnered for another Rav4 EV, using the new Rav4. I also believe that the new one will be marketed to at least the 48 states.

 

Source? That's news to me. When is it supposed to be available?

AFAIK, they're just targeting 2600 over 3 years w/now old body style and it being just a CA compliance vehicle.

 

I would add Mitsubishi and GM to that list. The imev doesn't sell well, and I don't expect the spark ev to either, but gm is doing a full roll out.

I don't think Toyota needs to do much more, but it could at least be doing what ford is doing with the focus ev. Talk about the good things. Offer it nationwide but don't stock it, simply deliver to order. An internet advertising campaign. That would require just a little bit. Some training for dealers across the country that want it. Less negative press interviews about ev not having a future.

 

Tesla Motors and Toyota team on electric RAV4 SUV for 2012

They talk about the current 2006 based Rav4 EV (the current compliance units) and the next generation ~2013 based Rav4 EV for wide distribution.

 

that article is from two years ago and is written very ambiguously. one could even think that the EV would be based on the 2013 model out of the gate.

 

I'm hopfull that toyota does more with BEVs, but lets face it PHEVs are more their strength. I think the only way they do a push on a better RAV4 EV is if this one starts sell, or other things sell better.

The model X would make a great shared platform for a Toyota vehicle though. It would help Tesla get volume. I"m sure things would work the opposite of the RAV4 strategy. Tesla would modify the X platform for Toyta's specification, then toyota would add their own Paint and interior at a different plant. Toyota might even specify a smaller battery than the 60 kwh one to keep costs down.

 

I'll see if I can find a more recent reference.