Toyota confirmed that it will present the plug-in hybrid version of its massively popular RAV4 SUV at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
To accompany the announcement Toyota released a first image of the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, showing a model that looks… just like the regular and hybrid models already on the market. Though there is one evident difference: the new Supersonic Red colour featured on it. From the company’s press release:
“… the teaser image of the RAV4 plug-in highlights the new PHV’s surprising performance capabilities. Unlike any other, the new RAV4 Plug-in will be celebrated by its spirited acceleration, nimble handling and impeccable style.”
- Toyota
For the moment, we know nothing about the battery capacity and range that will be delivered by the plug-in SUV, which will immediately take up a lot of room in a space currently occupied by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and virtually no one else. Nor is there any word yet on charging time, another big concern for potential buyers.
Some may recall that Toyota actually previously produced all-electric versions of the RAV4, first between 1997 and 2003, and then from 2012 to 2014. Both times these versions were available only in the U.S. and mainly in the state of California, and the initiatives were in both cases driven by Toyota’s need to comply with that state’s emissions requirements for auto manufacturers. This time around, the PHEV is actually intended to sell, and sell in big quantities.
The official unveiling of the PHEV version of the RAV4 will take place on November 20 at the LA show, and we’ll know all the important details at that point. Auto123 will be on hand for the big reveal and all the other events at the auto show, so stay tuned.
Our review of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid