Why did Toyota choose to electrify the Rav4 over RX350?

[Ev_Bob]

Greetings All,

I was curious if anyone would know why Toyota decided to electrify the Rav4 over something similar that starts at a higher price point like the Lexus RX350? Granted the Lexus would have been heavier, but at the base starting price was almost double the Rav4 at that time? It would have been easier for most to justify (and Toyota to sell) a 60K Lexus electric than a 50K Toyota electric?

I understand this was compliance car, but if sold under the Lexus name plate, Toyota would have still have received the credits?

 

[davewill]

Well, all of their alternative fuel cars have been Toyotas. They only made hybrid Lexus cars after hybrids became a commercial success. Also, they didn't really care how well they sold since they never intended to make more than the 2500 they needed for compliance.

 

[TonyWilliams]

Yes, they would get the CARB-ZEV credit whether sold as a Toyota, Lexus, Scion, etc.

 

[cashcow]

Toyota hates EV with a passion. They did not want to make EVs come off as luxury thus cheap RAV4 EV body! My take on it.

 

[smkettner]

And sully the Lexus brand with all the Tesla issues? Toyota made the right call.