LA 2010: Toyota RAV4 by Tesla

The Los Angeles show kicked off with a lineup of electric cars, which are becoming an increasingly common sight at major shows, and this one is no exception. A few months ago we learned that Tesla was planning an electric powertrain for Toyota’s popular RAV4, and this is the moment when the electric SUV makes its debut.

The latest generation of this SUV, now featuring Tesla technology, has had a more or less successful run in the market, with a number of units sold since the Japanese brand began testing the RAV4 on its own a few years ago. With a completely redesigned RAV4 electric compared with those first prototypes, we have now reached the point where range has improved considerably, with 160 kilometres to be covered on its batteries.

This generation, being presented in Los Angeles, is known as Phase Zero, and it will be followed by Phase One, which is still at the prototype stage. The idea for the next generation is that the 160-kilometre range can be achieved in any weather condition and not only under certain conditions, as has been the case so far.

The Toyota RAV4 will be sold as part of a brand offensive aimed at further strengthening its presence in the alternative vehicle market. Alongside the RAV4 by Tesla, they have also promised a plug-in Prius in the future, together with a completely new hydrogen vehicle before 2015, plus other hybrid models that will be unveiled over the coming months.

Via | Autoblog Green