Our 2014 Toyota Rav4 EV

Our  2014 Toyota Rav4 EV

Friday, January 31, 2014

The First 1078 Miles

In :06 via Vine here are my favorite things about the Rav4 EV:

:06 Vine Video

No gasoline, 100% Electric, charge up in our garage every night.
Consistent 94 mile range with mostly 70 to 75mph driving in Standard Charge Mode. Range of 125 to 150 in extended charge mode depending on driving style and weather.
Two glove boxes.  A smaller one above for glasses and other small things and a larger one below.
Large Navigation/Entertainment Screen with Reverse Camera.
Cargo capacity,seats fold almost flat. Two additional large storage areas under rear area floor. (Not having a spare tire helps)
Amazing LED headlights on low beam. They light up the road wonderfully.
Seating for 5 with headrests for all passengers.
Sun Visor Extender that almost covers the entire front window for both driver and passenger.
Not shown in video but power outside mirrors that fold in and out with push of button.

Things I miss or don't like:

Regenerative Braking that allows single pedal driving like on the BMW ActiveE and upcoming i3.
Backlight on the Steering Wheel.  The only button that has any lighting is the Mode button.
Rear Beepers to go along with the rear camera.  Many times something may be just out of camera range off to the side.  Rear Beepers would assist in these situations.

Have I missed anything that you like or don't like?  Please chime in via the comments below.

2/3/14  Update:  I miss the ability to be able to set the vehicle to charge at a set time rather than having to choose a departure time and having the vehicle determine the start time.


Saturday, January 25, 2014

I took a peak online to see where other folks had put their California Carpool Stickers and decided to go with these two places.

Friday, January 24, 2014

What led us to the Toyota Rav4 EV.....

Prior to the Rav4 EVs arrival, we drove the 2011 BMW ActiveE, pictured below. 

Transport Evolved just put up a post about our electric journey and how we ended up with the Rav4 EV. 

Here's a great write up with photos and a video of the Rav4 EV. While ours is the 2014, everything looks exactly the same including the color.