2003 RAV4 EV vs 2013 RAV4 EV

[camiev]

Isn't Toyota taking steps backward in the RAV4 2013 in comparision to the 2003 RAV EV.

In 2003 it has: Inductive charging, longer range, 111 mpge,

In 2013 it has: No inductive, shorter ranger, 76 mpge (this is lower for an EV)

Any thoughts?

For the 2003 EV owners, what is the reliabity? What is the after market parts availibility? Where to you take your EV for repairs?

I am considering the RAV4 EV, but concerns about the service, repairs and parts availibilty since it is a limited production.

Thanks


Thanks

 

[TeCKis300]

I
In 2003 it has: Inductive charging, longer range, 111 mpge,

In 2013 it has: No inductive, shorter ranger, 76 mpge (this is lower for an EV)

Without really understanding the 2003 spec'd range of 100-120 miles, I'd say it's just about a wash with the 2013 having the edge. Several members have gone 150+ miles on an extended charge.

I believe inductive charging is no longer in vogue as it's less efficient at transmitting/conveying power.

As for mpge, you're right. But the 2013 RAV4, is really only the same in name. It's a substantially larger car.

 

[TeCKis300]

btw, welcome to the forums!

 

[cwerdna]

I believe inductive charging is no longer in vogue as it's less efficient at transmitting/conveying power.

No longer is no longer in vogue, one will be hard pressed to find many of the inductive paddle charging stations around. Everyone (except Tesla) has moved onto J1772 for L1 and L2 charging. Tesla uses their own standard but has J1772 adapters.

Nissan has proposed inductive charging in a different form: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/TECHNOLOGY/OVERVIEW/wcs.html and http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-57337356-54/nissan-ev-charging-look-ma-no-wires/.

 

[AvLegends]

Ever picked up one of those inductive chargers? Wow, what a beast! I think it was 75-80 lbs. :shock:

I looked at a couple of 2002 Rav4 EV's before getting the 2012, and ran the other way after looking into the current repair situation. The car, from what I know is a wonderful EV in it's own right that has a tremendous following but is really a 1997/98 model year and aging technology. The chargers are no longer made and the battery costs 10K to be serviced/overhauled by Battery MD. 2 of the cars I looked at were traded/sold for the new 2012 Rav4 EV. A third had reduced battery capacity of around 50 mi. The seller wanted 15K and would not budge on price. Neat little car though.

Chevron owns the patient on the NiMH battery technology used in the car. They sued Toyota and Panasonic, won a $30,000,000 jugment and forced the shutdown of the battery plant. Big oil! :twisted:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_RAV4_EV
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_encumbrance_of_large_automotive_NiMH_batteries

The 2012/13 Rav4 EV i'm sure is a much heavier vehicle tipping the scale at slightly over 4000 lbs. Not sure where the 2002 comes in at but the one I drove was substantially smaller and had a lot less pep. I think I read somewhere that the battery was somewhere around 27 kw.

Waidy here on this forum was a long time 2002 MY owner and from what I understand liked the 2012 so much she bought 2! I'm sure she could provide additional insight.

 

[camiev]

GM and Cheveron executives should be procecuted for treason.
So when will the patnent for mihm battery run out. It probably 16 yrs already.
Will anyone use that technology for car again. I heard it is cheaper and more reliable than the current technology.




Chevron owns the patient on the NiMH battery technology used in the car. They sued Toyota and Panasonic, won a $30,000,000 jugment and forced the shutdown of the battery plant. Big oil!