JPWhite said:
TonyWilliams said:
Uh? I hope the Rav4 EV is not the "sign of things to come" as they are only building 2600 for model years 2012-2014. After that, Toyota will likely use hydrogen cars to meet the CARB-ZEV for 2015-2017.
Wow. So you think Toyota will drop the Rav4EV again?
They "dropped" it before the first one was produced. The Rav4 EV, like all the six Very Large Manufacturers (VLM) in California must produce a quota of Zero Emission Vehicles. For the phase III, which includes model years 2012-2014, Toyota contracted Tesla to build 2600 drivetrains to be put in 2012 Rav4 bodies. All three years of production will be exactly the same car, with no options but floor mats and a few colors. The Rav4 oil burner is a completely new design car for 2013, which obviously the Rav4 EV does not, nor will not share.
Why did Toyota build the Rav4 EV?
If they do build another EV for California compliance, it won't be a 2012 Rav4 body. But, like I said, they are going hydrogen for 2015... the state is throwing too many dollars at hydrogen infrastructure for them not to.