Toyota has launched its long-awaited plug in hybrid RAV4 crossover at the Los Angeles auto show, with a full hybrid system output of 302bhp/225kW.
The automaker claimed best-in-class performance and efficiency with 6.2 seconds 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration and CO2 emissions of less than 30g/km.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
A high capacity lithium ion battery delivers claimed class-leading EV electric driving range of about 37 miles (60km) which Toyota reckons is "comfortably greater than the 31 mile (50km) average daily commuting journey".
Toyota has offered plug in hybrid versions of two generations of Prius and also two generations of 'self charging hybrid' RAV 4 but this is the first RAV4 to get a charging lead.
"This first plug-in hybrid version of RAV4 draws on more than 20 years of Toyota leadership in hybrid powertrain technology to offer customers a vehicle that promises to be not only more powerful than any other in its class, but also more efficient in terms of emissions and fuel consumption," the automaker said in a statement.
Like the combustion and hybrid RAV4 models, the new plug-in is built on Toyota's GA-K platform and AWD-i intelligent electric all-wheel drive is standard.
The fifth generation RAV4 launched in Europe last January and Toyota Motor Europe said it had since received 120,000 orders in western Europe alone, 105,000 of those for hybrid versions.
Compared to the standard RAV4 hybrid, the plug in has a new, high-capacity lithium-ion battery and a boost converter for the hybrid system's power control unit. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is the same.
The plug-in will be introduced across Europe in the second half of 2020.
