- Toyota does not at present have plans for a RAV4 EV.
- Chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane says the corporate hasn’t given it a ‘lot of deep thought.’
- Toyota desires to have a multi-energy technique throughout mannequin strains.
Toyota’s electrical SUV lineup is already increasing with new additions just like the compact C-HR and the three-row Highlander, alongside the up to date bZ. Naturally, that raises the query: Is the RAV4 subsequent in line for a completely electrical model? The reply: Most likely not.
In an interview with Australia’s Drive, RAV4 chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane stated an EV variant isn’t at present a precedence. In line with him, the workforce hasn’t even given the concept a lot critical consideration.
As a substitute, Toyota says it’s targeted on sustaining a variety of powertrain choices throughout its lineup, providing fuel, hybrid, and electrical fashions aspect by aspect somewhat than combining every thing right into a single car. As Futonagane explains:
‘When Toyota says [we] have a multi-pathway technique, we do not need to have a number of paths all crammed into one car. We’re attempting to do it with a car line-up… The Toyota pondering in the mean time is we need to use the [bZ] because the car the place we discover and uncover probably the most superior expression of BEV expertise.’
Picture by: Toyota
That stated, the RAV4 isn’t missing in electrification. It comes customary as a hybrid, that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 226 horsepower. There’s additionally a plug-in hybrid model, which pairs the identical engine with two electrical motors for a mixed 320 hp and as much as 50 miles of electric-only vary.
For patrons set on a completely electrical Toyota SUV, there are different choices.
Motor1’s Take: Toyota’s method is smart for now. With fashions just like the bZ and C-HR already protecting the EV house—and the Highlander EV on the best way—the model doesn’t appear to be in a rush to affect the RAV4.
