Electric Car News

Toyota – the pioneer of the hybrid drive – has been rather slow to capitalize on the electric car ideas. In case you’re wondering, what will be Toyota’s first all-electric car, it probably won’t be the experimental FT-EV II as many expect. RAV4 is a more likely candidate.

They’ve had a roaring success with the first North American RAV4 field-test in the early 2000s. Maybe that’s one of the reasons they’ve picket that particular car. Many Americans can relate to it because at least a certain portion of the people have heard or read something about the magnificent RAV4 electric car.

Toyota has invested $50 million in the young Californian start-up and hopes for a long-term collaboration spanning electric drive, production systems and parts. So far, the first Toyota RAV4 electric car prototype is being tested buy Tesla.

For Tesla this new cooperation (they’ve already linked to DaimlerChrysler) means that they will be able to cut production costs and in the future, lower the prices.

Toyota has admitted they’re ready to learn things from Tesla – their quick decision-making and flexibility. How about quality control? Reducing the number of recalls would certainly help the image.

You might be interested in:

1. Tesla Sells More Brain for $50 Million
2. Toyota – the Greenest Manufacturer of 2011
3. New Toyota PHV will be Tested in London
4. BMW and Toyota – Memorandum in Diesel and Hybrid Propulsion
5. Toyota FCV-R Fuel Cell Concept 2015