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Despite a new update to the Nissan Leaf and an all-new Chevy Volt, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is outselling both so far in 2016. Combined. Yes, the RAV4 Hybrid is a more popular green vehicle than either of those affordable EVs. In fact, it is more popular than any EV.
With Toyota reporting sales this year of 7,484 units, the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid is outselling both the Tesla Model S (6,390) and also the Model X (2,400). The RAV4 Hybrid is also outselling the BMW i3 by about ten to one. If our math is correct, the RAV4 Hybrid has sold more units this year than the combined total of 18 EVs on this list Inside EVs maintains. The RAV4 Hybrid's surprisingly strong sales by comparison to today's EVs begs the question: "How much gasoline does an EV that doesn't sell save?"
Affordable EV's will catch on once a really good one comes to market. The Tesla Model 3 had about 300,000 reservations the last time we checked. That exciting new vehicle has very little in common with the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid, but two things do match up. The base price of $35K Tesla is promising the Model 3 will start at is the same as the price one pays for a fully-loaded RAV4 Hybrid. Both also have good range. In the case of the Model 3 estimates are that it will go about 215 miles between charging, and the RAV4 Hybrid has a range of about 488 miles between gas-ups.
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Comments
Hybrid isn't a bad choice,
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Hybrid isn't a bad choice, but you've also getting the disadvantages of both EV and ICE cars for little benefit to you, much more benefit to dealers and to gas pumps.
The only times you'll notice the charge time of your electric is on long distance trips as you wake up every morning to a full battery if you can charge at home.
Even if you do not care about emissions, for most of us the EV is a better choice. You put in windshield wiper fluid, and that's about it. No oil changes. No oil filter. No spark plugs. No transmission fluid. No catalytic converter. No muffler. Almost never change brake disks and pads.
Eric, thank you for taking
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In reply to Hybrid isn't a bad choice, by Eric (not verified)
Eric, thank you for taking the time to comment. All of your points are valid. Researching this story and looking closely at the individual models of EVs for sale in the U.S., it occurred to me that the RAV4 Hybrid is the only affordable, AWD, green compact crossover for sale in America. With cars sales in decline, and AWD vehicles wildly popular in America's vast snowy regions, Toyota may have found a spot that EV makers have left unfilled while trying to meet CARB mandates.
I have a rav4 EV and I'm
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I have a rav4 EV and I'm going to change it as soon as the RAV4 hybrid I ordered comes out it's much much better it's not worth it the convenience is a total difference. I am tired of charging and always being worried the millage is going to run out
Nick, if you would like to
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In reply to I have a rav4 EV and I'm by Nick A (not verified)
Nick, if you would like to elaborate on your comment and maybe do an e-mail interview I could make that into a pretty solid story. It goes against the grain, which I love. Since you are sticking with the same model it makes it even more interesting to me. You can reach me by using the "Contact Us" tab at the bottom of the Torque News main page. Cheers,
I do not know what you would
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I do not know what you would like me to elaberate upon?. I will be happy to do so.. Email me any question you have