Another discussion that deserved it's own thread went here: Tesla's 18650s versus larger format automotive cells.
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The New RAV4 EV
- Thread starter EVNow
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JRP3
Hyperactive Member
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
Sounds like slightly better range than the LEAF, some Model S components, limited roll out, I'll estimate $39K price, more than the LEAF and less than the Volt.
Rav4 EV
Has anyone heard any news on the Rav4 EV. They made such a big fanfare of the release and co-venture last November, and no news since! Any new news??
Has anyone heard any news on the Rav4 EV. They made such a big fanfare of the release and co-venture last November, and no news since! Any new news??
Not much, but there was this:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sc-cons-0127-trans-20110127-17,0,4078052.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/sc-cons-0127-trans-20110127-17,0,4078052.story
At the 14 minute mark of this video Elon says, "Tesla will be doing the whole powertrain for the electric RAV4 which is coming out in 2012."
This was said in contrast to the agreements with Daimler for the Smart ED and Mercedes A Class. Good to know it's not just the battery pack.
This was said in contrast to the agreements with Daimler for the Smart ED and Mercedes A Class. Good to know it's not just the battery pack.
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Huh?
Where did you get that idea? Assuming it makes it into production, I thought the Rav4EV is supposed to be built by Toyota. Possibly not even in California. Yes, everyone is saying the plan would be to use a full Tesla drive-train (not just battery pack), but as far as I know, the rest of the vehicle would be all Toyota.
Model-X, on the other hand, would be all Tesla, and much bigger, more powerful, more luxurious, and more expensive than the Rav4EV.
Model-X is reported to be Model-S based, so I imagine it would have similar specs and options to Model-S but just in a taller body style with even more room.
Yeah, you're probably right. I just think it's odd Tesla has decided to come out with a SUV (thing) that's electric right after providing the drivetrain for the similar Tesla-Rav.
They said that a portion of the company is already working on the X but where is the Blue Star? What's going on? What's the thinking? I don't want an X5 killer I want a Leaf Blower (Awayer),
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JRP3
Hyperactive Member
If X is Model S based then it would make sense that they are working on aspects of both at the same time, before BlueStar.
I don't think it's that weird that Tesla would come out with an SUV as the same time as working on the RAV4. It's like Lexus coming out with the 450h - different markets.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
I'm not sure a $40K RAV would cut into sales of a $60K Model X, or vice versa. If prices end up closer than that it's possible.
If Nissan alone can have three crossovers of different sizes - Murano, Rogue, Juke - surely Rav4EV and Model X can coexist!
Right. But the point is Tesla is a tiny company. Going up against the big boys (the biggest boy) when the have no advertising budget, no company history (for the public) and only a slight difference between the X and an E-Rav why risk the crossover competition when there is a whole world of car types that are untapped in the electric powertrain segment.
To answer my own question, they are probably looking at the skateboard which is a 1/3 of a car already done and building on that first rather than start from scratch with a Mini crusher.
The Alpha model of the Rav EV is using a 30KW battery. Pretty small for this size of vehicle. I would think that it would be released with a larger option. See below from the Toyota site from last November.
"The demonstration vehicle Toyota is currently testing is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle Toyota plans to bring to market in 2012, have not been decided."
"The demonstration vehicle Toyota is currently testing is powered by a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. However, many decisions regarding both the product, as well as the business model, have not been finalized. Battery size and final output ratings, as well as pricing and volume projections of the vehicle Toyota plans to bring to market in 2012, have not been decided."
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