This is the new Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, the most powerful and efficient version of the world’s best-selling SUV. Taking its place as the new flagship of Toyota’s hybrid vehicle range, the model is equipped with a new plug-in hybrid system that sets electric power as the vehicle’s default running mode.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in: performance and technology
The new RAV4 Plug-in represents the next development in performance and technology following two generations of Prius Plug-in models. Previously, the focus was on achieving longer all-electric EV driving range by using a larger high-voltage battery in conjunction with the standard hybrid vehicle’s electric motor. Now, however, the RAV4 Plug-in pairs a more powerful motor and a larger battery to gain extra drive power, as well as the ability to cover greater distances and run at higher speeds in EV mode.
Maximum output for the full powertrain is 302bhp, which is 38% more than the standard RAV4 Hybrid. This equates to a 0-62mph time of six seconds (2.1 seconds faster than the RAV4 Hybrid) and more accessible power for improved driveability. In fact, there is now 50% more power available when accelerating out of urban zones.
At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are sharply improved. Homologated WLTP data indicates 282.5mpg and 22g/km respectively.
Running in its default EV mode, a fully charged RAV4 Plug-in is indicated to be able to cover 46.6 miles on the WLTP cycle with no fuel consumption or tailpipe emissions. That distance increases up to around 60 miles in urban driving on the City WLTP cycle – comfortably more than the average European daily commute. EV performance is also more than enough for the motorway, being able to reach speeds of 84mph when battery charge level and speed limits allow.
Further flexibility is built into the technology in order to allow the driver to choose to start the journey in hybrid (HV) rather than EV mode. For example, this would allow the driver to maximise efficiency by saving the vehicle’s EV range for an urban area. Nevertheless, when the limit of EV driving range is reached, the RAV4 Plug-in automatically switches to hybrid (HV) mode.
In Auto EV/HV mode, the hybrid system will automatically come into play when extra power is needed, for example under sharp, sudden acceleration. It will then return to EV mode immediately afterwards.
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in: hybrid system
Toyota has developed a more powerful hybrid system for the RAV4 Plug-in, making detailed changes to the compact, lightweight components in the fourth-generation hybrid technology featured in the current RAV4 Hybrid model.
It uses a new lithium-ion battery with a significantly higher output. Energy capacity has been increased to 18kW/h and voltage is now rated at 355.2V. The power control unit has also been adjusted with the addition of a boost converter so that more power can be drawn from the battery. The output of the front electric motor is also increased, by 46kW to 134kW.
Battery charging is simple and safe and can be accomplished in 2.5 hours using a 230V/32A connection.
More UK technical information, specifications and pricing for the new RAV4 Plug-in will be published later and the new model will arrive in showrooms in spring 2021.
