RAV4 EV (1996)

This was a special version of the RAV4 that was an all-electric vehicle.

Here are the key details about the 1996 Toyota RAV4 EV:

Powertrain:

• Electric motor with a peak output of 67 horsepower
• Lead-acid battery pack with a capacity of 27 kWh
• Rear-wheel drive configuration

Performance:

• Top speed of 78 mph
• 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 18 seconds
• Driving range of 95-100 miles on a single charge

Features:

• Regenerative braking to recharge the battery
• On-board charger for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging
• Minimal exterior and interior design changes compared to gas-powered RAV4

Production and Availability:

• Produced from 1997 to 2003, with around 1,484 units sold
• Initially only available for lease to fleet customers in California
• Made available for retail sale to the public in 2002

The RAV4 EV was one of the earliest mass-produced electric vehicles and demonstrated Toyota’s early foray into battery-electric technology. While it had limited range and performance compared to modern EVs, it was an important step in the development of electric vehicles.