Quote:
Originally Posted by Ecuadog
The PHEV that piques my interest is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Just finding one is almost impossible and if you do, I’d hate to know how much over the MSRP the dealer is looking to get.
Made in Japan.
$7,500.00 federal tax credit.
40 mile range on batteries.
540 mile range on gasoline.
You can choose when to use batteries.
302 hp.
0-60 mph in about 6 seconds.
All-wheel-drive.
12 hour charge on 110 volt outlet with standard, onboard charger.
4.5 hour charge on 240 volt outlet with standard, onboard charger.
Larger (quicker), onboard charger available.
All the modern safety stuff is standard.
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The Toyota "Prime" vehicles are all plug-in hybrids. I drove a Prius Prime for years, and the Rav 4 Prime is every bit as reliable. You don't actually choose when to use battery power, it's a hybrid, so it switches seamlessly between electric and gas. When you plug it in you are charging the traction battery, which will get you around 40 miles, depending on speed, before it uses the hybrid technology, which is now nailed down technologically. Basically plug-in hybrids have 3 power systems, gasoline engine, electric motor, traction battery. And it is staggering how much misinformation is out there regarding electric vehicles. I have driven hybrids for well over a decade. And there is not MORE maintenance, there is much LESS. By the way it is really hard to find a Rav 4 Prime in Florida, they are all over the place further north, and maybe it is because the RAV 4 has all-wheel drive. I ended up with a BMW X3e, plug-in hybrid SUV and I am thrilled with it. I bought it in Ocala and was not gouged in any way, in fact it was very reasonable.