The Toyota Rav4 Prime charging is not your average hybrid compact crossover SUV. Its impressive range and fuel efficiency set it apart from the competition. Running on its electric battery for up to 42 miles is a game-changer for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on gas. But what happens after those 42 miles? That’s where the RAV4 Prime’s hybrid capabilities kick in, offering another 38 combined mpg.
You might wonder about the charging process if you’re new to electric cars. Rest assured, it’s easier than you think. Charging your new plug-in hybrid can be done at home or on the go, giving you the flexibility to power up whenever and wherever is convenient. When choosing how to charge, there are a few factors to consider: speed of charging, availability of charging stations, and cost.
In this article, we will dive into the world of plug-in hybrids and explore everything you need to know about charging your new RAV4 Prime. Prepare to embark on an electrifying journey to revolutionize your thoughts on cars.
TOYOTA RAV4 PRIME CHARGING
It sounds less frightening now that I’ve discussed the fundamentals of charging. A new automobile is one of the most exciting purchases, and the process shouldn’t be stressful.
I also want to remind you that Prime doesn’t require charging. The vehicle will continue to operate if there is petrol in the tank.
Keeping it charged is, of course, less expensive and more environmentally beneficial. Remember, you can drive for hours without worrying about running out of electricity.
Let’s get started.
CHARGING AT HOME
One of the critical factors to consider when deciding how to charge your car at home is the charging time. While a Level 1 charger may take around 12 hours to fully charge your car’s battery, a Level 2 charger can significantly reduce that time to just about 2.5 hours.
This quicker charging time can be a game-changer for those with longer commutes or who frequently use their vehicles.
It’s essential to remember that installing a Level 2 charger at home can be pretty expensive, ranging from $700 to $2,000. This cost includes the installation of a dedicated 240V outlet by a qualified electrician.
So, while it may not be worth it for everyone, especially those with shorter commutes or who don’t drive as often, having fast charging capabilities right at your doorstep can offer convenience and peace of mind.
Whether you opt for Level 1 or Level 2 charging at home depends on your specific needs and preferences. The simplicity and affordability of using a standard electrical outlet are lovely.
On the other hand, if you frequently rely on their car or value faster charging times, investing in a Level 2 charger might be the right choice for you. It’s all about finding what works best regarding practicality and cost-effectiveness in your driving habits and lifestyle.
USING A CHARGING STATION
Using a charging station can be convenient and eco-friendly to power your electric vehicle (EV) while on the go. Not only does it give you peace of mind knowing that you have access to fuel wherever you are, but it also reduces your carbon footprint.
PlugShare is a highly recommended platform for finding public charging stations, offering a user-friendly interface that allows you to quickly locate stations in your area or anywhere in North America.
One of the great benefits of PlugShare is that it provides detailed information about each charging station, including pictures from other users and nearby amenities. This can be particularly helpful if you’re looking for a station with free parking or want to know what other facilities are available while your vehicle charges.
With an average cost of $0.30-0.60 kWh to charge your EV at a public station for models like the RAV4 Prime, using these charging stations can be more economical than traditional gasoline refueling.
CHARGING SETTINGS AND SCHEDULING
One of the significant advantages of electric vehicles is the ability to schedule your charging based on time-of-use (TOU) rates. You can significantly reduce your overall charging expenses by taking advantage of off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower.
Imagine being able to plug in your car before bed and waking up to a fully charged vehicle while paying a fraction of what it would cost during peak hours.
The process is simple: use the multi-information display (MID) or multimedia system screen (if equipped) inside your vehicle to access the charging settings and scheduling options. You can set your car to start charging at a specific time, like 2 AM, when electricity rates are typically cheaper.
You can even schedule it to finish setting by a particular time of departure so that you’re not waiting for your vehicle to charge before hitting the road.
IMPORTANT RAV4 PRIME CHARGING SPECS
For some people, charging their automobile could be unfamiliar and intimidating. After attempting it once or twice, you should feel secure.
The procedure is straightforward, and once you are fully informed, you will feel comfortable operating and charging your new EV.
BATTERY SIZE
The Toyota RAV4 Prime boasts an impressive battery size of 18.1 kWh, allowing drivers to embark on longer journeys without worrying about running out of power. What sets this hybrid vehicle apart is its innovative approach of limiting the usable capacity to only 14.5 kWh. This deliberate restriction may initially seem counterintuitive, but it serves a crucial purpose.
CHARGING PORT LOCATION
The charging port location of the RAV4 Prime is a convenient and well-thought-out design feature. Positioned on the right side of the rear quarter panel, just above the tire, it allows easy accessibility without being obtrusive.
The port is concealed by a cover that can be effortlessly opened with a simple push. This thoughtful placement ensures that charging your vehicle is practical and discreet.
CHARGING PLUG/PORT TYPE
The J1772 charging port type of the Toyota RAV4 Prime opens up endless possibilities for charging on the go. Unlike Tesla, which has its proprietary charging system, the J1772 port is shared by every other electric vehicle manufacturer. You can charge your RAV4 Prime at almost any public charging station.
What makes this even better is that J1772 stations are ubiquitous. You’ll find them at malls, grocery stores, parking lots, and more. With these stations becoming increasingly prevalent throughout North America, you never have to worry about being stranded without a place to charge your vehicle.
LEVEL 1 VS. LEVEL 2 CHARGING
Choosing the right charging cable is crucial. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers offer different charging speeds based on your needs and commuting habits. While a Level 1 charger is suitable for those who do not drive extensively and have ample time to charge overnight, a Level 2 charger is ideal for those with longer commutes who require faster charging times.
One of the significant differences between the two chargers lies in their charging speeds. With a Level 1 charger, you can expect a full charge within approximately 12 hours. This makes it perfect for individuals with limited driving requirements or primarily using their car for short distances.
On the other hand, if you have a longer commute or need to rapidly charge your vehicle, investing in a Level 2 charger is highly recommended. With this option, you can achieve a full charge in under three hours, making it significantly faster than its Level 1 counterpart.
Installing the proper electrical outlet is essential in determining which charger type you can use at home. A Level 1 charger works perfectly fine with standard 120V outlets commonly found in households. If you opt for a Level 2 charger, install a dedicated 240V outlet in your residence beforehand. This higher voltage allows for quicker and more efficient electric vehicle charging.
CHARGING TIME
The charging time of the Toyota RAV4 Prime has been a hot topic for many potential buyers. While it may seem like a long wait, considering the 12 hours required for a full charge when using the 120V level 1 charger at home, an alternative significantly reduces this time.
Utilizing a public station or level 2 charger allows you to enjoy a much faster charging experience, with only around 2 hours and 30 minutes needed to achieve a full charge.
Why do charging times differ significantly between home and public stations? The answer lies in the power output of the chargers used. Public stations typically offer a higher voltage outlet (240V) and employ level 2, 6.6 kW chargers with an ampere rating of 32A—this increased power input results in quicker battery replenishment.
Suppose you desire this fast-charging convenience within your residence. In that case, hiring an electrician to install a higher-powered charger and fit your home with a suitable 240V outlet is possible.
CHARGING CABLE LENGTH
The length of the charging cable is an essential factor to consider when owning an electric vehicle like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. With its Level 1 120-volt charger, the RAV4 Prime has an approximately twenty-four-foot-long charging cable. Notably, twenty-five feet is the maximum allowed length for charging cables in electric vehicles.
CHARGING CABLE OPTIONS
As previously indicated, depending on whether your home has a 120V or 240V plug installed, there are two different sorts of charges accessible.
Here are several excellent RAV4 Prime charger alternatives.
LEVEL 1 CHARGER (120V)
While it may seem frustrating that a Level 1 charger wasn’t included with your car, it’s essential to understand the reasoning behind this decision. Level 1 chargers are typically slower and less potent than higher-level chargers, such as Level 2 or DC fast chargers.
Given that most households have access to a standard outlet (120v), it makes sense for car manufacturers to provide buyers with the option to choose their charging equipment based on their individual needs.
The Lectron NEMA 5-15 cable is an excellent choice for Level 1 charging. Its compatibility with the J1772 charging protocol ensures seamless communication between your RAV4 Prime and the charger, optimizing safety and efficiency. Plus, its generous cable length of 21 feet allows you more flexibility in finding an electrical outlet within reach of your parking spot.
LEVEL 2 CHARGER (240V)
One of the key advantages of a Level 2 charger is its ability to reduce charging times for electric vehicles significantly. Unlike Level 1 chargers that use standard 120-volt outlets, Level 2 chargers require installation by an electrician as they operate on 240 volts.
While some newer homes may already be equipped with these higher voltage outlets, others may need retrofitting.
If you’re lucky enough to have a Level 2 charger, like the Morec NEMA 14-50 cable, you can expect a fully charged RAV4 Prime in under three hours. This charger boasts a power output of up to 40 amps, ensuring faster and more efficient charging. It complies with SAE J1772 compatibility standards, guaranteeing seamless integration with your vehicle.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING ETIQUETTE
One important aspect of electric vehicle charging etiquette is to be mindful of others waiting to use the charging station. Since EV charging takes longer than fueling with gasoline, it’s crucial to be considerate and only hog the charging spot as long as necessary.
Once your vehicle is charged, promptly move it so that others can have their turn. Remember, the limited availability of charging stations can already be frustrating for many drivers, so being courteous ensures everyone has access to them.
Another aspect to consider is managing your time effectively while your EV charges. Unlike at a gas station, where you can efficiently multitask during fueling, EV charging requires more patience and planning.
Use the time wisely by completing tasks or running errands nearby instead of idling near the charger. This will maximize efficiency for you and other EV owners who need access to chargers but are left waiting because someone is unnecessarily occupying one.
- Don’t cut in front of the queue; there may occasionally be a queue of EV owners waiting to charge.
- Respect all EV-demanding time restrictions.
- Never disconnect another person’s vehicle.
- When setting, only park in an electric vehicle spot if people are waiting.
Conclusion
The Toyota Rav4 Prime charging offers an exciting option for those seeking a plug-in hybrid SUV with impressive electric range and performance. With the charging guide provided, owners can easily navigate the various charging options and ensure they maximize the vehicle’s electric capabilities. The cost calculator is a valuable tool that allows potential buyers to estimate their charging expenses and compare them to traditional fuel costs.