Following the successful introductions of the RAV4 GX Hybrid in 2021, and Hybrid E-Four in 2022, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is ‘testing the waters’ so to speak, with the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV). While not officially on sale yet, several RAV4 PHEV’s have been imported as a market research exercise to test customer response, vehicle behaviour, infrastructure requirements and other technical aspects as well as educate customers on the plug-in technology. The purpose of this pilot programme is to allow Toyota South Africa to provide our customers with a holistic (and tested) solution and continue to offer the exemplary customer service that Toyota has become renowned for.
It also represents phase 2 of TSAM’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) roll-out plan, following on from the hybrid vehicle expansion strategy across Toyota’s mainstream product ranges.
Launched to worldwide acclaim in 2021, the RAv4 Plug-In offers the power and clean efficiency of an EV vehicle without the associated range anxiety or charging dependency. Here you get all the benefits of a traditional full-hybrid vehicle (self-charging, petrol engine back-up and extended range), with the additional performance and pure EV driving mode of a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The Powerplant(s)
Providing the drive is a 2.5-litre petrol powerplant paired with a larger EV battery and two electric motors – driving each of the axles. The PHEV system leverages on Toyota’s 4th Generation Hybrid System and is equipped with a high output dual oil-cooling system that is used in combination with air and water cooling. It transmits the driving force directly to all four wheels and delivers a class-leading combination of power and efficiency.
The battery is of the Lithium-Ion variety which supplies 18.1 kW of power and is located below the passenger compartment.
The petrol engine employs a DOHC design with dual VVT-i, punching out 136 kW and 227 Nm. This Is paired with front and rear electric motors which contribute 134 kW and 40 kW, respectively. Torque is plentiful, with an additional 270 and 121 Nm on tap. The resulting Total System Output is an impressive 225 kW.
The Drivetrain
The plug-In model uses the same architecture of the ‘conventional’ E-Four model, delivering AWD performance by providing electric drive to both front and rear axles. The petrol engine drives the front axle via a CVT transmission. The E-Four system Intelligently switches between AWD and 2WD modes depending on usage conditions with a dedicated Trail Mode for increased rear axle torque split.
More Modes
The RAV4 Plug-In offers the driver four modes to choose from. EV mode is the default setting and prioritises electric-only operation. The vehicle offers a range of up to 80 km on pure EV mode depending on battery state of charge (SOC) and usage conditions. Acceleration In this mode is impressive and fuel consumption zero.
HV mode allows the vehicle to operate like a traditional Toyota Hybrid, while the driver can specifically select HV mode as they require, the system will also automatically switch to HV mode should the battery drop below EV mode operation levels. This allows the RAV4 to continue its journey even when the battery has been depleted by using regenerative braking and/or charging the battery via the petrol engine. Using the HV mode the RAV4 PHEV extends the driving range by over 800 km – depending on driven conditions.
An Auto EV/HV mode allows the system to switch between pure electric and hybrid modes, based on acceleration input required. The petrol motor Is brought online when required, and then returned to electric operation as soon as conditions permit.
Charging Mode is provided to recharge the battery, in which case the system uses the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack. This is useful for when a recharging facility is not immediately available. Once the hybrid battery is fully recharged, the system will switch to HV mode.
Recharging the RAV4
In order to recharge the vehicle, two solutions are provided namely a Toyota Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cable. Mode 2 allows for home or office charging via conventional AC 220-240V electric outlets. The average home charge will take between 7 and 9 hours. A built-in inverter monitors temperature and current. Mode 3 permits fast DC charging via dedicated charging stations, drastically reducing charging time to only 2.5 hours when using a 32A, 6.6 kW charger.
Exterior Design Changes
Distinguishing the RAV4 Plug-in from other variants is a bespoke front bumper grille with a chrome border and chrome accents on the lower apron. In the rear, a chrome license plate garnish adds to the exclusive persona.
Exterior Colours
Six exterior paint options are offered: Pearl White, Chromium Silver, Graphite Grey, Emotional Red and Moonlight Ocean Metallic – all in striking Bi-Tone configuration.
Interior Ambience
The plug-in model’s interior is based off the GX-R variant, which provides a comfortable yet sporty trim level. In PEV guise, the orange accent trim on the leather seats, centre console and dashboard, have been changed to red, with cool blue illumination reminding occupants of the vehicle’s hybrid credentials. A unique instrument cluster arrangement sees a dedicated battery state of charge dial in place of a traditional tachometer – which informs the driver of battery level and EV mode capability.
A multitude of infographic displays can be called up on the large Multi-Information Display (MID) including EV % use, hybrid system operation, cruising range and torque split.
Wheel & Tyre
Signalling its flagship credentials, the RAV4 plug in rides on bespoke, stylised 19-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish and snowflake profile.
Specification & Features
Standard specification is plentiful (being based off the GX-R trim level) and includes smart entry, seat heating and cooling, driver seat memory and dual-zone climate control. Tactile comfort is enhanced with a heated steering wheel, while convenience is bolstered by a fully digital rear-view-mirror with multiple view modes, wireless charger and five USB ports.
Superior Sounds
The quiet nature of the RAV4 Plug-in is used to maximum effect with the fitment of a premium, 9-speaker JBL sound system and 9-inch touchscreen. A multitude of menus including HEV system operation can be displayed on the infotainment screen – which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
