DRIVING MY 25 YEAR OLD ELECTRIC TOYOTA FOR THE FIRST TIME! IMAGINE IF THEY KEPT THIS GOING

EV Channels Review

This video chronicles the revival and first proper drive of a 2002 Toyota RAV4 EV, a rare piece of early electric vehicle history. The host details his acquisition of the non-running vehicle and its subsequent restoration by the Out of Spec Renew channel, highlighting a clever bypass of the onboard charger to revive the battery. The review touches on the car's unique features, including its nickel-metal hydride battery, a heat pump HVAC system, and the proprietary J1773 inductive charging port. While acknowledging its slow acceleration (0-60 in ~18 seconds) and limited original range (~95 miles), the host praises its surprisingly smooth ride, functional amenities like heated seats and AC, and the surprisingly effective braking performance. The video also delves into the historical context, explaining the patent issues that led to the discontinuation of the first-generation RAV4 EV and contrasting it with the later Tesla-powered second generation. The host expresses a wish for Toyota to have continued developing such vehicles, seeing it as a missed opportunity for the brand and the EV market.