As Toyota continues to develop high-efficiency transportation solutions for U.S. drivers, the automaker recently marked a number of key milestones in support of its electric vehicle (EV) programs
First, Toyota confirmed that the all-electric model of the RAV4 crossover, designed in conjunction with noted EV maker Tesla, will be produced at the same facility now manufacturing the standard RAV4 in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. (Tesla will build the electric powertrains, including battery, motor, gearbox and power electronics, at its plant in Palo Alto, Calif., then ship them to the Woodstock facility for final assembly.) The RAV4 EV is expected to have an all-electric, emissions-free driving range of about 100 miles and go on sale to the general public in 2012.
“The Tesla-Toyota joint development team has agreed that building the vehicle at the Woodstock plant on the same line as the gasoline-powered RAV4, will streamline and simplify the production process and guarantee the highest level of quality control,” said Ray Tanguay, chairman of Toyota’s Canadian operations. “This is a great example of Toyota’s determination to collaborate with companies with leading-edge technology.”
Toyota also announced that it had approved Leviton as an official electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) solutions provider. In this role, Leviton will offer charging units for both customers and Toyota dealerships, as well as help manage a certified installation team and an extensive customer service center for the automaker.
“Through our relationship with Leviton, customers will have access to a full-service EVSE provider that supplies a high level of customer service along with products that integrate easily into their homes and complement Toyota’s plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle offerings,” said Rick LoFaso, Toyota Motor Sales’ corporate manager of passenger-car marketing.
Which brings up an important point: The Leviton technology is compatible with the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in as well as the RAV4 EV. The Prius Plug-in—also slated to go on sale to the public next year—will be capable of approximately 13 miles of driving on pure electricity alone. Then, if its battery is depleted, the vehicle can go hundreds of more miles while relying on the same kind of hybrid technology that powers the standard Prius, delivering the same stellar EPA numbers. Recharging can take as little as 1.5 hours with a 220-volt charging unit or about 3 hours using a standard 110-volt outlet.
Consider it another example of how Toyota is charging into the future by bringing new technology to the market today.
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