Toyota RAV4 EV I (BEA11) 5-door 27.36 kWh (68 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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) 5-door Overview:

Toyota RAV4 (EV I (BEA11) 5-door). With a weight of 1540 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 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

27.36 kWh (68 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Performance is modest with 68 Hp, suitable for city and suburban driving. The 125 km/h top speed is electronically limited, making it adequate for light highway use but not spirited driving.

Fuel Economy

Excellent economy as a pure electric vehicle, offering zero tailpipe emissions. The 215 km range from its 27.36 kWh NiMH battery was competitive for its time, ideal for daily commutes.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Pioneering electric SUV design
  • • Zero tailpipe emissions
  • • Quiet and smooth electric operation
  • • Toyota's renowned build quality and reliability
  • • Decent electric range for its era (215 km)

Cons:

  • • Limited performance compared to ICE counterparts
  • • NiMH battery degradation and potential replacement costs
  • • Slow charging speeds by modern standards
  • • Basic safety features compared to contemporary vehicles
  • • Limited availability and niche market appeal

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(V: November, 2019 - September, 2021).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:RAV4
Generation:EV I (BEA11) 5-door
Modification (Engine):27.36 kWh (68 Hp)
Start of production:October, 1997
End of production:September, 2003
Powertrain Architecture:BEV (Electric Vehicle)
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Performance:
Fuel Type:Electricity
Maximum speed:125 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:22.6 kg/Hp, 44.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.1 kg/Nm, 123.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1540
Max. weight:1935
Max load:395
Size:
Length:3980 mm mm [620mm less]
Width:1695 mm mm [160mm less]
Height:1675 mm mm [10mm less]
Wheelbase:2410 mm mm [280mm less]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1450 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureOne electric motor drives the front wheels.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears1
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size195/80 R16 97S
Wheel rims size6.5J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone, Trailing arm
Electric:
Gross battery capacity:27.36 kWh
Battery technology:Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
Battery location:Below the floor
System power:68 Hp @ 3100-6400 rpm.
System torque:190 Nm @ 0-1500 rpm.
All-electric range:215 km
Electric motor power:68 Hp @ 3100-4600 rpm.
Electric motor Torque:190 Nm @ 0-1500 rpm.
Electric motor location:Front axle, Transverse
Battery weight:450 kg
Battery voltage:288 V

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