Toyota to bring new EV to China in 2013

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 3) - Toyota China confirmed that it will bring over a new pure electric vehicle over to the country in 2013, the Beijing Times reported today. However, it has yet to announce exactly which model will be chosen.

According to a statement made by Toyota China Spokesman Niu Yu, the manufacturer will decide which model to introduce based on the results of the Toyota EV test drive experiment to be held in the country at the end of the year. Also at that time, Toyota USA will begin selling the RAV4 EV SUV (pictured above) and Scion iQ EV subcompact (pictured below), which will be sold in Japan and Europe shortly after.

Toyota has been conducting test drive experiments in China as early as 1998, when it conducted such an experiment for the Ministry of Science and Technology in Nan'ao island, Guangdong. Five RAV4 EVs participated in the test, which are reportedly still being driven in the country to this date. According to its specifications, the RAV4 EV can be driven for 160 km and has a top speed of 125 km per hour.