The 2018 Toyota Prius Prime provides an EV-only range of 25 miles thanks to its 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. After those miles, the Prius Prime delivers 54 mpg when running on gas compared to the Volt's 42 miles per gallon. That's impressive and so is the versatility of the Prius's well-known hatchback design. However, the Prius Prime is strictly a four-passenger vehicle.
The RAV4 EV is currently the only all-electric high-riding crossover SUV available in the United States, although only in select cities of California. The well-respected Toyota platform takes on a Tesla powertrain, making it the least expensive way to experience rip-roaring acceleration from the famous California electric car startup. Driving range is around 120 miles.
Exclusive: In 2016, Toyota to Offer Wireless Charging on Next-Gen Prius Plug In
Massachusetts-based WiTricity, Toyota's partner, is also working with Honda (which also wants to go to market in 2016), Nissan and BMW. Alex Gruzen, WiTricity's CEO, said in an interview that 2016 is likely to be the year that wireless charging for cars sees widespread adoption.
Servicing is a Big Issue With the Toyota RAV4 EV (Especially Outside California)
Owners complain about Tesla-derived parts availability, sporadic servicing, and a big stonewall for out-of-staters.
Canada to Mexico Electric Car Rally Changes EV Range Perceptions
There have been a number of long-distance electric car events held to counter perceptions about range limitations of EVs. The latest was last week's BC2BC-2013 Rally, in which eight electric cars and one electric motorcycle traveled from British Columbia to Baja, California. All but one successfully arrived, although the journey revealed weaknesses in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Historic Wins for Electric Vehicles at the 2013 Pikes Peak
An electric motorcycle won outright in the motorcycle division at the 2013 Pikes Peak Hill Climb race, which should send a wake-up call to the motorsports industry: The electrics are coming.
Electric Vehicle Stereotypes Smoked at REFUEL 2013 Race at Laguna Seca Raceway
For some, what will sell electric vehicles is performance, and electric racing events offer the chance to demolish EV stereotypes.
Toyota Video Campaign Puts "Normal" Prius Plug-in Into Hands of Newbies
In a new series of web videos released last week, Toyota highlighted the "normal"-ness of the Prius Plug-in by dropping it into the hands of four everyday people who hadn't owned a plug-in before.
Toyota Announces Limited Sales for iQ EV
Toyota has decided not to offer widespread sales of the electric iQ minicar, and now plans to sell a combined total of just 100 units of the vehicle in the United States and Japan.
The Prius Plug-In Hybrid: A California Car Non-Residents Can Like, Too
The vast majority of the 5,818 sold so far are going to the California, where HOV access and state incentives are attractive. But the car, with up to 15 miles of electric range, also has curb appeal elsewhere.