Dsinned
Well-known member
These cars are totally different yet similar. Totally different because one is an plug-in EREV and the other a purely plug-in EV. Still they are quite similar in that both have almost identical max. HP/TQ ratings in their respective "Sport" modes. But I am here to tell you unequivocally, the 200lbs lower curb weight of the RAV4 EV gives it a definitive performance advantage and quite handily, which may seem somewhat surprising for an "SUV".
I'd say the Volt has the edge as a "smoother", quiter car, but the RAV4 is certain close to that description. Which is more comfortable? Also very close, but I'd have to say the RAV4, only because it seats 5 adults and simply is a roomier vehicle respect to its far larger cargo capacity.
I'd give the RAV4's telematic electronics the advantage as well. It has a one inch larger diagonal center console screen and quite a bit more functionality. The Volt's "green ball" is quite unique but the RAV4 simply has MORE of that kind of feedback that is more representative of "high tech" instrumentation. There is vastly more feedback about driving efficiency expressed in miles per kWh, and the RAV's i/p is quite elegant if not simply an impressive design as in WORLD CLASS!
As far as Onstar (MyVOLT, Remotelink, etc) compared to Toyota's equivalent in the form of their mobile app called EnTunes? No contest; Toyota got it RIGHT right out of the box! (Maybe, GM will catch up once the new ECOHUB cell phone app gets released.) TOYOTA includes two years of free roadside assistance and the RAV4 "SOS" button is for emergencies. ALso, Bluetooth pairing of a cell phone to the RAV4 provides a more satisfying link, including voice commands, which I think is better, as is the center console touch screen. Both cars NAV systems seem about equal, but the Volt has the best audio feedback "navigator" feedback.
Both these EVs are phenomenal cars, but the recently introduced, 2012 late model year RAV4 EV - imho - is the overall winner, which it really should be owing to its $10k higher sticker price. However, Toyota qualifies for $1k more from the CA rebate, and a "white" (zero emissions) HOV sticker vs. a green color AT-PEV (Advance Technology-Partial Emission Vehicle) for the Volt. In reality, for short mileage commuters, neither needs to worry about gasoline EVER!
The RAV4's massive battery (41.8kWh of useable capacity) clearly has much more to offer as far as an electrified vehicle. It is the same "low end" Tesla battery used in the Model S and weighs in at well over 800 lbs. Toyota warrants it at 8 years and 100k miles probably because it allows it to be fully (100%) charged for maximum range. EPA rates it at 102 miles but in actuality that is an average of its "normal" recharge capacity (35kWh or ~80% of fully charged) and its absolute maximum total capacity (41.8kWh). I like Toyota/Tesla's approach to address the issue of "range anxiety". With a conservatively rated 113 miles maximum range from an extended charged battery that should not be too much of a concern unless the RAV 4EV is your ONLY vehicle. (Fortunately, I have my VOLT to fall back on for longer trips.)
How long to charge that bad ass Tesla battery? On the standard charge cord, 115V, 12A? Forget it! 44 or 52 hours depending on the charging mode, regular (80%) or extended (100%)!!!
Toyota has a partership with Leviton which offers an EVSE L2 charging solution at 9.6kWh. That cuts down the recharge time to a much more reasonable (overnight, delay start to early morning completion) 5 to 6 hours. Unfortunately, the SPX Voltec L2 chargers apparently are not compatible with the Toyota. Both support the J1772 charge port connector but are NOT compatible. That sucks the big one I can tell you!!!
I opted for another DIY installation based on Leviton's 240V, 32A "plug-in" charger, which can fully recharge the RAV4 in about 7.5 hours, so I still get the job done during off-peak (lowest electric utility rate plan) hours.
Bottom line, the Volt is a GREAT car for a relatively short term commuter and enables the owner to get by with virtually no gas. It is also a "trip car", which the RAV4 is not. However, the RAV4 is also a GREAT car for even longer commutes, plus ousttstanding straight line performance that an SUV has no right to have . . . SERIOUSLY!
I'd say the Volt has the edge as a "smoother", quiter car, but the RAV4 is certain close to that description. Which is more comfortable? Also very close, but I'd have to say the RAV4, only because it seats 5 adults and simply is a roomier vehicle respect to its far larger cargo capacity.
I'd give the RAV4's telematic electronics the advantage as well. It has a one inch larger diagonal center console screen and quite a bit more functionality. The Volt's "green ball" is quite unique but the RAV4 simply has MORE of that kind of feedback that is more representative of "high tech" instrumentation. There is vastly more feedback about driving efficiency expressed in miles per kWh, and the RAV's i/p is quite elegant if not simply an impressive design as in WORLD CLASS!
As far as Onstar (MyVOLT, Remotelink, etc) compared to Toyota's equivalent in the form of their mobile app called EnTunes? No contest; Toyota got it RIGHT right out of the box! (Maybe, GM will catch up once the new ECOHUB cell phone app gets released.) TOYOTA includes two years of free roadside assistance and the RAV4 "SOS" button is for emergencies. ALso, Bluetooth pairing of a cell phone to the RAV4 provides a more satisfying link, including voice commands, which I think is better, as is the center console touch screen. Both cars NAV systems seem about equal, but the Volt has the best audio feedback "navigator" feedback.
Both these EVs are phenomenal cars, but the recently introduced, 2012 late model year RAV4 EV - imho - is the overall winner, which it really should be owing to its $10k higher sticker price. However, Toyota qualifies for $1k more from the CA rebate, and a "white" (zero emissions) HOV sticker vs. a green color AT-PEV (Advance Technology-Partial Emission Vehicle) for the Volt. In reality, for short mileage commuters, neither needs to worry about gasoline EVER!
The RAV4's massive battery (41.8kWh of useable capacity) clearly has much more to offer as far as an electrified vehicle. It is the same "low end" Tesla battery used in the Model S and weighs in at well over 800 lbs. Toyota warrants it at 8 years and 100k miles probably because it allows it to be fully (100%) charged for maximum range. EPA rates it at 102 miles but in actuality that is an average of its "normal" recharge capacity (35kWh or ~80% of fully charged) and its absolute maximum total capacity (41.8kWh). I like Toyota/Tesla's approach to address the issue of "range anxiety". With a conservatively rated 113 miles maximum range from an extended charged battery that should not be too much of a concern unless the RAV 4EV is your ONLY vehicle. (Fortunately, I have my VOLT to fall back on for longer trips.)
How long to charge that bad ass Tesla battery? On the standard charge cord, 115V, 12A? Forget it! 44 or 52 hours depending on the charging mode, regular (80%) or extended (100%)!!!
Toyota has a partership with Leviton which offers an EVSE L2 charging solution at 9.6kWh. That cuts down the recharge time to a much more reasonable (overnight, delay start to early morning completion) 5 to 6 hours. Unfortunately, the SPX Voltec L2 chargers apparently are not compatible with the Toyota. Both support the J1772 charge port connector but are NOT compatible. That sucks the big one I can tell you!!!
I opted for another DIY installation based on Leviton's 240V, 32A "plug-in" charger, which can fully recharge the RAV4 in about 7.5 hours, so I still get the job done during off-peak (lowest electric utility rate plan) hours.
Bottom line, the Volt is a GREAT car for a relatively short term commuter and enables the owner to get by with virtually no gas. It is also a "trip car", which the RAV4 is not. However, the RAV4 is also a GREAT car for even longer commutes, plus ousttstanding straight line performance that an SUV has no right to have . . . SERIOUSLY!