Tesla-Toyota has created an electric RAV 4 and Lexus RX

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, which is considered one of the leaders in the production hybrid electric vehicles, recently announced the use of the RAV4 and Lexus RX to perform a series of tests for new batteries from the company.

These tests will be carried out jointly. with Tesla Motors, his new employee in the field of electric vehicles. Recall that the general manager of Toyota Akio Toyoda announced the implementation of a partnership between his company and Tesla Motors, the creator of the Roadster, and since then things have gone uphill.

Tesla Motors took care prepare electric Lexus RX and RAV 4 with Tesla batteries.

While Toyota originally wanted to test these new battery packs on an all-electric Corolla, it looks like it will eventually SUV RAV4 and RX, which are the most suitable models, because no suspension or chassis modifications will only be needed to support the extra weight of the packages.

During this announcement, Shinichi Sasaki, Vice President of Toyota, explained that these tests will determine if these new batteries will be have more advantages over other types of batteries using larger cells.

The RAV 4 should go on sale in 2012. 40 000 dollars US. He will have autonomy 240 km.