The Toyota RAV4 EV has been through quite a bit in its life time. Don't believe us? Well, as it turns out the upcoming 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV is actually just the next phase in the evolution of this incredible vehicle. As such, we here at Elk Grove Toyota would like to take the time to go over some of the history of the RAV4 EV.

The Toyota RAV4 EV was actually first introduced as a prototype in 1995, although development had been underway since 1971. It was in 1995 that the RAV4 EV prototype won the Scandinavian Electric Car Rally. That same year, Toyota placed RAV4 EV prototypes at institutions around California. The following year, they launched the first stage of the official zero-emission vehicle initiative test program, which featured two-door RAV4 EV prototypes, and that same year, Toyota officially revealed the RAV4 EV to the general public at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In 1997, Toyota entered the second phase of its zero-emission vehicle initiative, which was the official sale of the RAV4 EV to various fleets. It wasn't until 2001 that the RAV4 EV was finally allowed to be leased in California, to the general public. 2003 marked the official end of EV production for the Toyota RAV4 EV, and that brings us to where we are today... without a Toyota RAV4 EV on the market... for now.

See, with the recent resurgence in interest from the public for alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, Toyota has teamed up with EV automaker Tesla Motors to create a next-generation Toyota RAV4 EV, which if it wasn't obvious enough, is based on the already popular Toyota RAV4. And, now in 2011, Toyota has confirmed the new RAV4 EV for a 2012 launch.

With such an exciting launch so close, it only makes sense that the rumor mill would start cranking again. And, that is exactly what has happened in the case of the Toyota RAV4 EV. Given the fact that the RAV4 EV was only sold to fleets in the early stages of its production, it makes sense that people would guess that this would be the case for the new RAV4 EV. The Rumors got going, and now Toyota must step in to clarify, once again.

In a recent press release, Toyota made sure to put the general public at ease, saying, "We'd like to set the record straight. The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public...Toyota is the only manufacturer brining two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 - the RAV4 EV and Scion iQ EV."¹

The redesigned Toyota RAV4 EV features a redesigned exterior that is defined by a face-lifted bumper and grille, refreshed head and fog-lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The RAV4 EV also features a heftier powertrain, uncompromised acceleration, and an impressive 100 mile driving rage.

As amazing as this vehicle sounds, unfortunately, we still must play the waiting game. But, those of you who are in the market a new Toyota now are invited to check out the current RAV4 by browsing our inventory online. If you find yourself with questions about specific models, such as the Toyota 4Runner or Avalon, feel free to contact us online or by phone at (877) 312-4647. And, once here, we'll make sure to cover everything that goes into care for that new ride with some help from our incredible service department.

Can't wait for more Toyota news? Make sure to stay tuned. At Elk Grove Toyota, located at 9640 West Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 65757, we are doing everything we can to keep you informed!

Source: ¹ http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+rav4+ev+coming+to+market+in+2012.htm