Toyota revolutionises the hybrid vehicle sector with an acoustic vehicle alerting system

The electric vehicle sector arrives to put an end to CO2 emissions that were proving genuinely harmful to the environment. However, every new technology comes with a period of adaptation and several revisions before it can offer a product fully suited to satisfactory everyday use. One of the main drawbacks of both electric and hybrid vehicles is that, when running in EV mode, they make no noise, which can pose a problem for pedestrians. It is no coincidence that Toyota has sought to address this issue with an acoustic warning system, a key complement in this type of powertrain.

As you know, the Japanese brand is one of the pioneers of hybrid vehicles, a technology that today is extremely widespread. It was at the end of the last century when the first Prius arrived to mark a before and after, a goal it achieved, as today’s range of Toyota models demonstrates, which favours the use of electric and hybrid motors.

The RAV4, one of the brand’s most recent renewals, has embraced this type of powertrain with the aim of delivering good performance together with low emissions. However, the Toyota SUV is much more than just another hybrid car, since it has been chosen to present what the brand calls AVAS.

That acronym stands for Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System, a system patented by Toyota that will bring a revolution to the electric and hybrid vehicle segment. Thanks to it, the RAV4 will make itself heard when running in EV mode at speeds below 20 km/h or in reverse, the moment when the Japanese SUV’s electric motor is responsible for sending power to the wheels.

It is true that European regulations will not require EVs to use an AVAS system until 1 July 2021, provided their type approval was granted before 1 July 2019, as is the case here. However, Toyota has wanted to take the lead and introduce this new technology which, however simple it may seem, will prove genuinely useful and safe, especially for pedestrians.

This is how Toyota has managed to implement a new measure that will safeguard the wellbeing of pedestrians, who have already suffered accidents due to the silent motors of both hybrid and electric cars. In this way, it will only be a matter of time before the brand’s other models and other manufacturers adopt an AVAS system, which will soon become mandatory.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadToyota RAV412 versions · from 46,500 €