Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) 3-door 25.9 kWh (61 Hp)
Overall Rating
Toyota RAV4:
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is known for starting the wave of compact crossovers. The RAV4 is the best-selling sport utility vehicle of all time, having sold over 10 million units by February 2020. In February 2025, the RAV4 replaced the Ford F-150 as the top selling car in the United States, after nearly four decades of the F-150's reign.
It made its debut in Japan and Europe in 1994, and in North America in 1995, being launched in January 1996. The vehicle was designed for consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability of a mid-size car. The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-wheel drive", although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system....(Read more on Wikipedia)
EV I (BEA11) 3-door Overview:
Toyota RAV4 (EV I (BEA11) 3-door). With a weight of 1460 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 125 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
25.9 kWh (61 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Performance is modest with 61 Hp, suitable for city driving and light suburban use. The 125 km/h top speed is adequate for most roads, but acceleration is leisurely, reflecting its early EV nature.
Fuel Economy
The 25.9 kWh battery offered a commendable 200 km range for its time, making it a practical electric commuter. As an EV, it boasts zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Pioneering electric vehicle technology for its era
- • Zero tailpipe emissions
- • Decent electric range (200 km) for the late 90s
- • Toyota's general reputation for reliability
- • Unique and collectible status
Cons:
- • Limited performance by modern standards
- • Outdated battery and charging technology
- • 3-door body style limits practicality
- • Small battery capacity compared to modern EVs
- • Challenging to find parts and specialized service today
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (XA10) 5-door: 1995 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | RAV4 |
| Generation: | EV I (BEA11) 3-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 25.9 kWh (61 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Electricity |
| Maximum speed: | 125 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 23.9 kg/Hp, 41.8 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1460 |
| Max. weight: | 1720 |
| Max load: | 260 |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3695 mm [420mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1620 mm [40mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2200 mm [210mm less] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Tires size | 195/80 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Electric: | |
|---|---|
| Gross battery capacity: | 25.9 kWh |
| System power: | 61 Hp |
| All-electric range: | 200 km |
| Electric motor power: | 61 Hp @ 2600 rpm. |
| Electric motor Torque: | 165 Nm @ 2600 rpm. |
Is the Toyota RAV4 your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!