Could a Lowered RAV4 EV help with range and roll over?

[cashcow]

Just wondering what you guys think about it? Could a lowered rav4 ev benefit in range and decreased roll over if lowered? Any other benefits? What about hazards ? I guess it would kill the warranty?

 

[TonyWilliams]

Why would it "kill the warranty?

 

[cashcow]

A couple of years ago I was considering a ford transit connect van and while talking with the sales rep we spoke about the warranty and modifications and said that the warranty would be invalidated if the vehicle is 'lowered' so I figured lowering the vehicle by working on the suspension invalidates the warranty . I didn't ask him if it would void the bumper to bumper or the power train though. On another note I spoke with my nissan dealer on removing the rear seats and how much it would cost and I was given a price. Then I asked if it would invalidate the warranty and the guy said 'well it would only invalidated for the seats and the belt restraints'.

I know no better so I thought of it as true

Either way would you think lowering the rav4 ev would give some increase in range and better handling when turning corners quickly due to the lower height?

thanks tony

 

[smkettner]

My worry would be a road hazard under the battery.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Yes, of course, any high ground clearance vehicle (like RAV4 EV) will likely have a handling and aerodynamic improvement with lowering (assuming the lowering is done properly).

Warranties on cars sold in the USA can't be arbitrarily voided. Any warranty repair that can be blamed on a modification, however, could be denied.

If you lowered the car by heating up the springs, and then made a warranty claim for bad springs, it will be denied. But, a warranty claim for a radio repair couldn't likely be denied because the car was lowered.

 

[cashcow]

Great Info I appreciate it Tony Any ball park guesses on what kind of range improvement we could see on a nicely lowered rav4 ev? How does the RAV4 EV feel when taking corners fast? Compared to my leaf I definitely feel like I have to slow down a lot. With my leaf I kind of loved taking those turns .... I wonder how the rav4 EV would feel on corners if it were lowered just like that one for Pikes peak. I also do recall a MS owner getting his battery damage because there used to be a really low air suspension setting that tesla later removed ... or so I herd so... that is another risk of damaging the battery and with how expensive it is to replace... 36k?...

Out of curiosity is the RAV4 EV body on construction more like a wagon/sedan or a truck's body on frame?

 

[TonyWilliams]

RAV4 is conventional unitized construction... no frame rails.

I'd guess that you'd gain only 1-2% in aerodynamic improvement, but handling would be substantial improved, again, given that the suspension modifications are done correctly.