Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Formalize Agreement to Develop Electric RAV4

With an aim to market the Electric Vehicles in the United States in 2012, prototypes will be made combining the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain. Tesla plans to produce and deliver a fleet of prototypes to Toyota for evaluation within this year. The first prototype has already been built and is now undergoing testing.

In May, Tesla and TMC announced their intent to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support. Tesla seeks to learn and benefit from Toyota¿s engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise, while Toyota aims to learn from Tesla¿s EV technology, daring spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility.

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of contributing to society through the manufacture of automobiles, and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars with lithium ion batteries for mainstream buyers relentlessly driving down the cost of Electric Vehicless. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures Electric Vehicless with lithium ion batteries and EV powertrain components, and is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production.

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