Green Car Congress

AUGUST 3, 2012

Toyota held its first media briefing and drive for the RAV4 EV ( earlier post ), due to go on sale later this year in California. The converted RAV4 is the result of the partnership between Toyota and Tesla Motors announced in May 2010; Toyota has contracted for 2,600 units. The RAV4 EV. Click to enlarge. —Bill Fay.

Toyota 281

Toyota California Tesla EPA 281

Plugs and Cars

AUGUST 18, 2007

The founders of Google have made personal investments in Tesla as befits dotcom billionaires, and they're converting Priuses to plug-in hybrids for the company fleet with battery maker A123. Google founder Sergey Brin drove one of the 2001 Th!nk Perhaps Toyota’s battery division is having problems.

NiMH 100

NiMH Google Prius EPRI 100

Tony Karrer Delicious EVdriven

APRIL 21, 2009

We Promote PHEV Conversion Programs: First CalCars in 2004, then a number of aftermarket companies, have converted over 200 cars — at first most were for fleets, but more and more are going to individual owners. The easiest conversions are for 2004-2008 Prius (not 2001-2003 Prius) and the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

Plug-in 41

Plug-in Plug Hybrid Nickel Metal Hydride 41