Toyota is maximizing the use of RAV4 EVs
Toyota has a policy to keep RAV4 Electric Vehicles (EVs) in service for as long as they are sustainable. As a full-electric, zero-emission, battery-powered vehicle, RAV4 EV played an important role in the lineup of Toyota's environmentally responsible vehicles. RAV4 EV has served as a rolling laboratory to help test key technologies that have been incorporated into Toyota's hybrid vehicles that are now widely available to consumers. It featured advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries, a reliable electric drivetrain, an early form of energy-saving regenerative braking, and a computerized power management system.
Toyota has a commitment to keep environmentally advanced vehicles on the road as long as practical. Therefore, Toyota is communicating its policy on supporting the U.S. RAV4 EV fleet. The policy includes procedures for sales and leasing, recycling, spare parts, and more. Some elements of this policy are new, but most have been in effect for years. Highlights include:
- RAV4 EVs are not being removed from service based solely on age or lease expiration.
- Toyota is offering fleet lessees lease extensions as their leases expire. Retail lessees may renew their leases, purchase their RAV4 EVs, or return them, at their option.
- RAV4 EVs that are returned to Toyota and are determined to be supportable and safe to operate will be put back into service. They may enter the Toyota company fleet or be donated to community groups, including national and state parks. Determination of the usability of returned RAV4 EVs will be based on overall condition and the status of specific parts and systems such as the battery pack, inverter, and charging components.
- RAV4 EVs that are returned to Toyota will undergo a thorough recycling process to maximize recovery of materials while reducing exposure of substances of concern.
- Toyota is planning to make more replacement parts available for RAV4 EVs, some new, and perhaps some used.
Toyota sponsors UN World Environment Day
Toyota was a sponsor of the 33rd annual United Nations World Environment Day, held in San Francisco, with Prius designated as the event's official car. The urban environment was the focus of a weeklong series of activities culminating in the creation of a plan for a sustainable urban future -- to be called the San Francisco Urban Environmental Accords. Conference themes were energy; transportation; waste and the built environment; food, air and water; and urban biology and green space.
Toyota Port Newark facility receives environmental recognition
Toyota Logistics Services' Port Newark (N.J.) Vehicle Distribution Center was rededicated in May after a $20 million expansion. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which leases the 83-acre site to Toyota, praised Toyota for its voluntary environmental initiatives at the Port. These include electrically powered RAV4 EV shuttles for transportation around the facility; filtering of all storm water prior to draining into the bay; a strict no-idling policy; and a 90-percent recycling rate for trash and materials.
Toyota supports Corporation for the Northern Rockies' (CNR) Sustainability Fair
Toyota was the 2005 Signature Sponsor of CNR's annual Sustainability Fair in Livingston, Montana. The fair showcased sustainability-focused products, vehicles, and fuels. Toyota exhibited its hydrogen-powered Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle and presented a talk on advances in automotive fuel cell technology.
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