Can the Toyota RAV4 Prime Run on Electricity Only?
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is the first-ever plug-in hybrid version of America’s favorite small SUV, the Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 Prime comes with a heftier pricetag, but it also benefits from having a battery and two electric motors to improve its fuel economy and boost its power. Can the RAV4 Prime small SUV run on just electricity, or does it depend on gas at all times?
The Toyota RAV4 Prime has an electric-only driving range
New plug-in hybrid SUVs have electric-only driving ranges. In short, this means that the PHEVs have a battery that stores energy that drivers can use to drive power to the vehicle’s wheels like an EV. Plug-in hybrids are just one step below EVs in terms of how they charge and operate. They aren’t fully electric, but they’re the next best thing compared to gas-only and hybrid vehicles.
So, the Toyota RAV4 Prime uses a rechargeable battery that allows it to travel for a limited range on just electricity. According to Edmunds, the RAV4 Prime can travel for about 42 miles before reverting back to its hybrid powertrain system (gas engine and electric motors). Drivers can restore its electric-only driving capabilities by recharging it at home or at any charging station similarly to how you would recharge an EV’s battery.
Installing a home charger for a RAV4 Prime isn’t the worst idea because it makes charging much more accessible and convenient. That being said since the PHEV’s electric driving range is limited compared to average EVs, it won’t take nearly as long to charge fully. The RAV4 Prime’s 42 miles of electric-only driving range is impressive by today’s standards.
The industry has been abuzz about the RAV4 Prime because it’s the perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency. The small plug-in hybrid SUV proves that PHEVs can be fun to drive.
How much does a Toyota RAV4 Prime cost?
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime starts at $40,300. It comes in two different trim levels: the SE and the XSE. The RAV4 Prime XSE starts at $43,625.
The RAV4 Prime comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The XSE includes ambient lighting, SofTex-trimmed seats, and paddle shifters.
What’s so special about the Toyota RAV4 Prime?
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is special because it’s incredibly quick. The RAV4 Prime makes 302 horsepower. It can go from 0-60 miles per hour in about 5.7 seconds.
The RAV4 Prime is the quickest Toyota SUV in the Japanese automaker’s lineup. Aside from its speed and power, the PHEV also gets incredible gas mileage. The Toyota RAV4 Prime achieves 41 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. It has a whopping 600 miles of driving range.
Read more about another impressive PHEV small SUV, the Dodge Hornet, in the next article below.
