The electric version of the RAV4 as announced this year by Elon Musk and Akio Toyoda. Tesla plans to produce and deliver a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation within this year. The first prototype has already been built and is now undergoing testing. Toyota Motor Corp. and Tesla Motors Inc., the electric-car maker, agreed to develop a battery- powered version of the RAV4 compact sport-utility vehicle that may go on sale in 2012.
In May, Tesla and TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced their intent to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from Toyota’s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla’s EV technology, daring spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility.
Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars for mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components, and is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production.
2012 Toyota Electric Cars RAV4