Tesla-TMC 'RAV4 EV' Concept to Debut at LA Show

Los Angeles, United States, November 11, 2010―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that it will display the "RAV4 EV" concept―an electric vehicle it is developing jointly with Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla)―at the Los Angeles Auto Show to be held here from November 17 to 28.

The RAV4 EV concept―based on the highly functional Toyota "RAV4" compact SUV body and fitted with a Tesla electric powertrain―is aimed at commercialization, with launch in the United States planned for 2012.

TMC plans to announce the vehicle's specifications, including cruising distance, at a press conference at the show on November 17. (Video of the press conference is due to be posted on TMC's website, www.toyota.co.jp/en, the same evening.)

In May, Tesla and TMC announced their intent to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles and parts, and on production systems and engineering. Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from TMC's engineering, manufacturing and production expertise, while TMC aims to learn from Tesla's EV technology, daring spirit, quick decision-making and flexibility.

TMC is working to limit the consumption of fossil fuels and to reduce CO2 emissions through the promotion of energy sources other than gasoline, such as electricity. In 1997, the company launched the "Prius", the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid passenger car, cumulative sales of which have recently passed 2 million units. Also, from 1996 to 2003 TMC sold approximately 1,900 units of the first RAV4 EV―the first marketed vehicle in the world to be propelled by a nickel-metal hydride battery.