Featured RAV4 Plug-in Coming In 2020 (Page 4 for deets)

I think it's an A/C for A/C - as it doesn't have a reverse cycle. I was told that the term "Heat Pump" is generally used to describe an A/C with reverse cycle to heat as well.

 

[Courtesy of GOOGLE]

 

I thought they had to walk uphill both ways in the snow.

 

They did... Pushing the bus!

 

It's official on LA auto show:
Toyota Revs Up Lineup with New 302-Horsepower RAV4 Prime | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

302 HP, estimated 39 miles of range, battery under floor won't take interior space.

Wonder if it has lower ground clearance, from the pictures it seems like suspension is raised just a little bit, or not? It seem like similar layout as Outlander PHEV.

 

"With more powerful motor-generators, a newly developed high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery and a booster converter, the 2021 RAV4 Prime yields an 83-horsepower (hp) jump in total system output over the RAV4 Hybrid and has the most horsepower in its segment."

What is a booster converter?

 

Yep - still a long waiting list on what is our top Hybrid model here (Cruiser).

 

Los Angeles Auto Show: Toyota touts RAV4 Prime plug-in SUV

Ummm.
Tesla Model X with its range of 328 miles would like to dispute that claim. It is definitely a Plug-in SUV.

Model X | Tesla

 

Every news reporter writes this as they please in official Toyota PR it's correct:
"...which is the highest EV range of any PHEV SUV on the market."

 

Wow! RAV4 PRIME. I am trying not to read the article. So tempting...

 

39 ev miles .... nice! That range bests the plug-in pacifica's range by about 5 miles - tho it's not going to have as much seating & cargo capacity. Still, that's great!. That pretty much begs for an increase in prius Prime's range around the same release date.
AND ... logic dictates that the increased range /traction pack capacity means that the RAV4 will likely get the full tax incentive credit! I look forward to reading its towing capacity & hearing what the mileage is, both charged sustain mode as well as MPGe.
.

 

The hybrid motor/generators output voltage is a function of rpm. The faster the vehicle travels, the faster the motor generator (MG2) rotates and the higher the A.C. output voltage and frequency.

The first function of the inverter is to take whatever A.C. voltage/frequency is being output and convert it to D.C. which it stores in some internal capacitors. The second function of the inverter is to take the D.C. energy from those capacitors and raise (boost) the voltage to a level that would charge the batteries.

The output power to the battery will always be less than the input power from the generator with the losses being in heat generated in the alternator and inverter which is why the inverter has it's own cooling system.

The prime battery pack may be a higher voltage than the 201 volts of the Prius so it would have to raise (boost) the voltage to the appropriate charging value.

 

This looks fantastic!
I hope they are widely available.

 

Europe for sure, because there is also press release on Toyota EU site:
Toyota reveals the Top of RAV4 range, the new RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

Just like Prius it wont be named Prime, but Plug-in Hybrid

If you add up 90 MPGe (38 kWh/100 mi) and 39 miles range, we get ~15 kWh battery. If they will use the same cells as Prius Prime then we are looking at around 120 kW power in EV mode.

 

you have to also allow for upper & lower end buffers. You can't simply deplete and charge to the extreme ends without causing premature capacity loss. Therefore total capacity will necessarily have to be 17-18kWh. That amount also allows for maximum US federal tax credits.
.

 

If it only had a third row, I'd be on it.

I wonder what it's total combined range is. I can't find a fuel tank size.

 

Yes Of course, Pacifica gets 32 miles with 41 kWh/mi with 16 kWh battery
So around 18 kWh and 15 kWh Net capacity

Wonder how much tow rating will be on this thing, from technical point of view (upscaled electric motors and power electronics) it should be higher than normal Hybrid version.

 

Remember, towing isn't what you can pull. It's what you can stop. Since the regenerative braking cannot be counted on at all times, the hydraulic service brakes usually need to be upgraded to support higher towing capacity.

 

;-) It should be if they design for it. Should be fairly straight forward but it will cost more than not designing for it. The curb weight is going to be higher and towing needs more power to the rear wheels so it would need an upgraded rear motor/power electronics and upgraded braking compared to the current rav4 hybrid to get more than the current 1750 lb rating. Doing these things will enhance awd and stopping distance even when not towing so its probably worth it, but toyota may consider anything at 1500 lbs or above good enough for a vehicle like the rav 4.

If they price it right not only will toyota sell more rav4s (there current best seller in north america) but also upsell many buyers to the phev version.