Toyota has announced what it says is the first all-electric sports utility vehicle on the market, a battery-poewred version of its popular RAV4 with a maximum range of 160kms and minimum six-hour charge time.
The car will be sold initially only in California with a base price of $49 800 (R390 000), and the Japanese car company hopes to sell a relatively modest 2,00 units over the next three years.
Toyota US executive Bob Carter said the company believed the car would “attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” Toyota's pioneering hybrid car, launched 15 years ago.
“It's all about blending the best of two worlds... The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV.”
“In fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”
The car, which costs more than twice as much as the petrol version of the RAV4 and would have difficulties with out-of-town driving for any distance, may struggle to find a mass appeal.
Carter said: “It's designed for consumers who prioritise the environment and appreciate performance,” adding that the new car would go on sale in the third quarter of 2012 in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.
“We look forward to seeing how the market responds,” he added, unveiling the car at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles. - Sapa-AFP