2002 RAV4 EV STAFF CAR UPDATE LIVESTREAM (100K MILES!)

EV Channels Review

This livestream update on the 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV, after surpassing 100,000 miles, highlights its surprising reliability and practicality as a daily driver, despite its age. The reviewer praises its SUV form-factor for hauling capability, especially for house renovations, and notes its respectable usable range of around 70 miles, achieved by not depleting the battery below 10-20%. Key issues discussed include the aging battery technology (nickel-metal hydride) and the challenges with replacement parts, as Toyota and third-party support are limited. The car's original inductive charging system is favored over J1772 for its robustness, though the lack of rapid charging is a drawback. While the reviewer expresses disappointment in Toyota's historical reluctance to fully embrace EVs, they remain happy with the RAV4 EV as a dependable, albeit aging, vehicle, especially given its low running costs. The car's main failures at 100k miles include a non-working key fob and an intermittent strange noise, with minor cosmetic wear on the paint and plastic trim.