Hey everyone, I heard back directly from my contact in Toyota and got some more information on the warranty and specifically what kind of situations are covered.
First, I wanted to supply some information I received during the course of my conversation.
I know that there is a thread going on about this
here, but I wanted to add the response in the same spot instead of making two different posts. Essentially, I was told that while there are some dealers that are allowing Warranty repairs and regular service outside of California, Toyota has made no obligations to do so and it is purely at the discretion of those dealers. Strange... because I don't understand why they would provide said training if they aren't planning on expanding? Especially since a different EV car is in their "concept car" section on their website. I dunno why they wouldn't make more of them and get more dealers in other states ready.
I was also told something else interesting. When asked about the Tesla collaboration, they told me that Toyota manufactures all of the parts themselves, but that Tesla simply provides the technology. This one I was skeptical about, but if they are telling customers this then they must be confident in such. Perhaps they simply have prototype technology from Tesla but are replicating it for other RAV4 EVs. Or at least, the next thousand or so they are going to make.
I did find out that the Battery replacement, including 'free' installation was $36,700, and the motor is between $11,000 and $15,000. That was expected I just asked for more of my curiosity. Haha.
Anyway, in regards to the warranty, I specifically wanted to find out about battery states and what is and isn't covered in specific scenarios, instead of just generic "manufacture defects only," I wanted real world situations of what would warrant a replacement of the battery.
I was told that if the battery stops holding a 'significant' charge, with your local dealership choosing what is significant, within the 8 year/100,000 mile range, it is considered defective. This value is vague on purpose, because they don't know what is considered unacceptable capacity loss over the course of 8 years. But at least they would acknowledge EXTREME loss. I was also told that unlike all the ther Hybrids and the Prius Plug-In in their line, all battery and drivetrain components are part of the drive/bumper to bumper general warranty, and not many parts are excluded from that. I can't remember the manual page but I can find it again and link to it if anyone is interested.
Another interesting thing I was told, is that vehicle damage caused by the official Leviton charger, if it was installed by Leviton, is 100% covered. So like unless your house is struck by lightning, or something crazy like a fire, if the charger damages the car Toyota considers that under the warranty and communicates with Leviton directly for it.
I asked about Battery Bricking, and I was told that if any components, as per manufacturing issue (you know, defect) also in turn damage and/or accidentally brick the battery, then that covers the battery and all other components as part of the original defect. This is normally a no brainer, but because the battery is so expensive I wanted to make sure. Obviously leaving the car sitting for months until the battery totally dies is not covered, but I asked that in a special case like that what could be done, and I was told that there is some special procedures that can be done to at least alleviate the cost a little. Apparently that's some kind of common "loyalty" thing with Toyota. I never heard of that.
Anyway, that's pretty much it. I realize that most of this may seem trivial or obvious to some people, but because I have had issues with vehicles in the past it is just in my nature to find out absolute specifics - especially on new technology.
I'm hoping it helps people other than me. :mrgreen: