Toyota launches all-electric sports utility vehicle in California

Toyota launched its first all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the U.S. market. The new vehicle is the all-electric SUV version of its popular RAV4 and has a top range of 100 miles and a minimum six-hour charge time. The car will be sold initially in California with a base price of US$49,800; more than twice the cost of the RAV 4’s gasoline counterpart. Toyota has projected a modest sale of 2,600 units within the next three years. “The company believes the car will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Motor Sales USA executive. “It’s all about blending of two worlds. The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV. In fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.” Carter emphasized that the car was designed for consumers who give priority to the environment and at the same time appreciate performance. (May 12, 2012)