The New RAV4 EV

[efusco]

strangely the video does not appear on screen!

Odd...here's the Youtube link:
http://youtu.be/oUxLJyhWlrI

[efusco]

RAV4EV not a compliance car:


Green Car Congress: Toyota RAV4 EV key for meeting California ZEV requirements; Tesla powertrain uses Model S components

Well, I still say BS. It's a compliance vehicle whether they call it that or not (and I wouldn't expect them to). That said, the article is quite good and goes into a lot of detail about how the range is calculated. As I said in my posts, however, I was very impressed by the operating efficiency and accuracy of the range gauge.

[JRP3]

I think the "share" link breaks the forum embedding, you need to get the youtube.com URL not the youtu.be URL

[mikevbf]

via 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV: First Drive Of Tesla-Powered Crossover
"Ground clearance is consequently reduced by a couple of inches..."

I hope this is not a sign of what to expect of the Model X's clearance. The regular Rav4 has 7.5" making the Rav4 ev about 5 to 5.5" of clearance actually less than the Model S sedan. Between only FWD and low clearance, this is hardly worthy of being even in the CUV segment. It belongs more in the station wagon segment. Still it kinda makes sense as a California compliance car that does not really have the range to get up into the snowy mountains anyway. Add to that American's vastly prefer SUV styling over a station wagon and it makes sense for its niche. Despite its short comings from my perspective, I bet it would sell well in a larger market than California. And the speed of development to market is a good sign to the rest of the car industry that might consider partnering with Tesla.

[jcstp]

via 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV: First Drive Of Tesla-Powered Crossover
"Ground clearance is consequently reduced by a couple of inches..."

I hope this is not a sign of what to expect of the Model X's clearance. The regular Rav4 has 7.5" making the Rav4 ev about 5 to 5.5" of clearance actually less than the Model S sedan. Between only FWD and low clearance, this is hardly worthy of being even in the CUV segment. It belongs more in the station wagon segment. Still it kinda makes sense as a California compliance car that does not really have the range to get up into the snowy mountains anyway. Add to that American's vastly prefer SUV styling over a station wagon and it makes sense for its niche. Despite its short comings from my perspective, I bet it would sell well in a larger market than California. And the speed of development to market is a good sign to the rest of the car industry that might consider partnering with Tesla.

rav4 ev = rav4 + ev
model x = ev

so i think already now worrying about groundclearence from model x is unfounded!
model x = ev from start, so adapted to its needs
rav4 ev = adapted to be an ev

[mikevbf]

rav4 ev = rav4 + ev
model x = ev

so i think already now worrying about groundclearence from model x is unfounded!
model x = ev from start, so adapted to its needs
rav4 ev = adapted to be an ev

Good point. I will then offer a different angle. I wonder how hard it is to retrofit an existing vehicle with Tesla's electric system and maintain close to the original ground clearance? If the answer is "very expensive/difficult", then designing cars this way is truly limited.

[efusco]

Good point. I will then offer a different angle. I wonder how hard it is to retrofit an existing vehicle with Tesla's electric system and maintain close to the original ground clearance? If the answer is "very expensive/difficult", then designing cars this way is truly limited.

I don't think it was all that difficult, Toyota says it IS expensive. But side by side the battery pack just adds around 2-3" on the bottom of the car and it seems maybe they raised the frame up an inch or so to partially compensate.

As stated, the Model S/X were designed to be EVs and the battery pack is integral to the frame whereas the pack was slapped onto the bottom of the existing frame for the ICE Rav4

[jcstp]

Good point. I will then offer a different angle. I wonder how hard it is to retrofit an existing vehicle with Tesla's electric system and maintain close to the original ground clearance? If the answer is "very expensive/difficult", then designing cars this way is truly limited.

Maybe because of the worry of groundclearance, the obvious choise was a suv!
(Maybe it is possible to raise the Rav even more with aftermarket suspension!)

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Well, I still say BS. It's a compliance vehicle whether they call it that or not (and I wouldn't expect them to). That said, the article is quite good and goes into a lot of detail about how the range is calculated. As I said in my posts, however, I was very impressed by the operating efficiency and accuracy of the range gauge.

I'd call it compliance-with-benefits. That is, it does the minimum, but in a way that would allow them to respond to additional demand.

[efusco]

I'd call it compliance-with-benefits. That is, it does the minimum, but in a way that would allow them to respond to additional demand.

Perhaps, it certainly shows what they're capable of...even when their heart isn't really in it.