There will be no electric version of the Toyota RAV4: the company explained its decision
23 April 16:47
Toyota has officially abandoned plans to produce a fully electric RAV4 crossover. The project has been postponed indefinitely. Production of the electric vehicle based on the sixth-generation RAV4 was planned to begin at plants in the United States. This was reported by Ukravtoprom, as cited by "Komersant Ukrainian".
The new Toyota RAV4 will be available on the global market exclusively in hybrid versions. The lineup will include both conventional hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Why the decision was made
Chief engineer of the model, Yoshinori Futonagane, confirmed that developing a battery-powered version is not currently a priority for the team, writes Motor1. The decision to abandon the electric RAV4 is explained by Toyota’s global strategy, which calls for differentiating powertrains across the entire lineup rather than within a single model.
“The company aims to offer gasoline, hybrid, and electric cars as separate products for different customer needs. The brand does not want to ‘cram’ all types of engines into a single vehicle, instead developing the bZ lineup as a platform for introducing the most advanced BEV technologies.”
This approach allows the RAV4 to maintain its reputation as a reliable crossover with an internal combustion engine while the new electric models gain market share in their respective segments. According to experts, this move makes sense, as the electric vehicle market is already oversaturated with offerings, and stable demand for the hybrid RAV4 ensures the company steady sales.
Current lineup and level of electrification of the RAV4
Although there will be no fully electric version, the RAV4 remains highly electrified. Currently, the model is available in two main versions:
- Classic hybrid (HEV): equipped with a 2.5-liter engine producing 226 horsepower;
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV): combines the same engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 320 horsepower and providing up to 80 kilometers of range on pure electric power.
For buyers who need exclusively a full-size electric SUV, Toyota suggests considering the bZ series or waiting for the release of the Highlander EV. The company believes that this model lineup will help avoid internal competition and offer customers more specialized solutions for each type of powertrain.
