Got a Tesla - in Toyota clothing

After reading about the Rav4 EV, I had one shipped from California. And let me tell you, it's amazing! The torque is unreal and the regen is quite impressive. Looks like I may be able to get close to 200 miles on a charge. Just thought I'd share a few photos.

 

Thanks Potorap! When it arrived, I had the mudguards added. Also had 3m windsheild tint installed along with darker tint on front sides.

When I was recently in California, I visited Tesla. Although I wasn't able to get a factory tour due to the re-tooling for the Model X, I was given the chrome Tesla plate frame for the back and a Tesla zero emissions plate for the front. The employees there gave me those items after learning that I have a Rav EV.

 

Oh, it has quite a few Tesla bits. It's really neat. There are Tesla labels all over the vehicle. In fact, the first 35 vehicles were built by Tesla using Rav4 rolling chassis. (just like they did with the Tesla roadster, when they used Lotus Elise rolling chassis)

The motor is from the Model S. The battery...from the Model S. As well as the computer systems, inverter, charger. Basically, anything to do with propelling the vehicle is Tesla. When you open the hood, even the fluid reservoirs are Tesla and there are warnings that say do not use Toyota fluids. The owners manual gives a disclosure that vehicle data is transmitted to Tesla via integrated ATT connection. It's a very interesting vehicle!

 

I got the deal done almost literally the day before Toyota really got serious about "exporting". It took some time to get it transported here to AZ from Torrance. I was actually getting a little worried that it would get taken back off the truck, lol.

It's a real shame that this vehicle is being withheld. At least a few rogue Rav EVs are out in the wild. This whole situation reminds me of the EV1, except I own my electric car! And I'm not giving it back.

 

We do have the HOV program here, as well as significantly reduced license fees. (but instead of decals, AZ has a special license plate) I didn't know that the stickers were already applied before it was shipped, but I'm not sure how the CA program works.

 

Well, and as we know with the PIP, ymmv. The Rav throws in another variable: standard or extended charge. Toyota publishes a composite range of 103. However, it seems rather easy to get 150. On extended, some owners are reporting up to almost 190...on those fast Cali freeways. But for me, I can get about 4.9 miles+ per kwh on my commute. That works out to about 200 miles of range, on paper.

With my PIP, for example, I was able to drive 18-20 miles on a charge everyday.

 

Bilbo04096, unfortunately, it's not offered in AWD. I read that some prototypes were fitted with AWD to test the system for the upcoming Tesla Model X. But not on the production models.

Wjtracy, my licensing is not totally finalized, so I'll have to keep you posted on the exact savings. The title clerk indicated that for the vehicle's sticker price, the registration/license would have been around $800. But since it's 100% electric, the cost is "significantly" less. She said I'll be very happy with the outcome. (the reduced registration fee only applies to pure electrics. There is no longer a discount for plugin hybrids, but they still retain hov access)

Markabele, CHAdeMO level 3 charging is now available for retrofit, through Tony Williams. From what I understand, he created an integrated product specifically for the Rav. See quickchargepower.com for details.