Toyota to build RAV4 electric vehicle at its West Plant in Woodstock ; Minister of State for Science and Technology joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada on 5 August in announcing the production of the RAV4 electric vehicle at its West Plant in Woodstock, alongside the petrol-fuelled RAV4.
The production of the RAV4 electric vehicle is a component of Toyota's 'Project Green Light', which was announced on 5 July. The Government of Canada is providing Toyota with a repayable contribution of up to CA$70.84m (US$72.03m) for the overall project. Toyota's total investment in the project could reach up to CA$506m. The Province of Ontario is also providing assistance of up to CA$70.84m.
"The RAV4 EV will be the first highway-capable electric vehicle to be produced in Canada and the first electric vehicle to be produced by Toyota outside of Japan," noted Goodyear.
Federal funding for the project was made through Canada's Automotive Innovation Fund (AIF), which provides support for strategic, large-scale research and development projects in the automotive sector.
The RAV4 EV’s powertrain, inclusive of battery, electric motor and other components is to be supplied by Tesla, in which Toyota Motor has become an investor, and has issued a powertrain supply contract worth some US$100m. US pricing and distribution plans for the electric RAV4 EV have yet to be confirmed.