Toyota Confirms RAV4 EV for 2012

Toyota confirmed on Tuesday that an electric version of its RAV4 small SUV would go on sale to the public in 2012.

Recent reports had suggested the electric RAV4 would be available only for fleets and car sharing organizations.

”Recent reports have incorrectly stated that the 2012 RAV4 EV will only be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs. We’d like to set the record straight. The 2012 RAV4 EV will definitely be sold to the general public. We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota,” the automaker said in a statement.

The Toyota RAV4 EV, which debuted at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show, will use a Tesla-built drive system, and get 100 miles of range in real-world driving.

Earlier this month, Toyota announced an electric version of its Scion iQ city car. With the RAV4 EV, Toyota says it will be the only automaker offering two electric cars in 2012.