Next-generation Toyota RAV4 EV? That's right. The forthcoming 2012 model, isn't the first RAV4 EV ever made. The RAV4 EV story actually starts 16 years ago in 1995, when Toyota introduced the first prototype, and claimed a victory, at the Scandinavian Electric Rally Car Rally.

Later that same year, Toyota, placed the RAV4 EV prototype at institutions around the state of California. The following year, in 1996, Toyota launched the first stage of its zero-emission vehicle test program, featuring two-door RAV4 EV prototypes. They also debuted the RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In 1997, the first-generation Toyota RAV4 EV was available exclusively to fleet consumers. Four years later, it was available to the general public residing in the Golden State. In 2003, production paused. Why? It was ahead of its time. There wasn't the avid interest in EVs then. But, there certainly is now. And, for all of you interested in the next-gen RAV4 EV, you'll be happy to know that recent reports claiming the EV will only be available to fleet and car-share program buyers are inaccurate.

Toyota has confirmed mass-market availability of the new 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV in a recent press release. "We'd like to set the record straight," the Japanese automaker says. "The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public."¹

West Herr Toyota Scion of Williamsville would like to note that in addition to the 2012 RAV4 EV, Toyota will also be launching the all-new Scion iQ EV based on the Toyota iQ available in Japan, in 2012. The funkier-looking Scion EV, however, will be available exclusively to fleet and car share buyers.

To learn more about the next-gen Toyota RAV4 EV, boasting a 100-mile max driving range, West Herr Toyota today. And be sure to stay tuned for more Toyota news, coming soon.

Source: ¹ http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+rav4+ev+coming+to+market+in+2012.htm