How Does the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Work?

ByBrian Jones

It’s clear that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s mpg is rated better than the gas-only model. Therefore, it’s natural to wonder about the inner workings of the hybrid variant. How does the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid work, and what creates the efficiency?

In this guide, I dive deeper into the RAV4 Hybrid powertrain with you. I also look at the battery and compare this model to the RAV4 Prime. By the end, you should be closer to becoming a hybrid expert.

silver rav4 hybrid

An Overview of the RAV4 Hybrid’s Powertrain

The Toyota RAV4 contains a Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery. With this hybrid battery, power doesn’t come from an external source. You can’t plug in the vehicle to charge the battery. 

Instead, fuel from the engine is used to recharge the battery whenever the vehicle moves. With this setup, RAV4 replacing the RAV4 Hybrid’s battery is uncommon because the Ni-MH lasts longer than lithium-ion or lead-acid. 

A hybrid vehicle has two different power sources. There’s the electric battery and the internal combustion engine. The two work together to reduce fuel consumption.

toyota rav4 hybrid engine

However, hybrid vehicles have varying configurations, depending on the model.

Here are two of the most common.

  • Parallel Hybrid: the electric motor and gas engine connects to the transmission to produce power together
  • Series Hybrid: the electric motor is paired with the transmission, providing a sole source of power, while the gas engine operates as a generator for the electric motor

The RAV4 Hybrid is considered a Parallel configuration hybrid. The battery powering it is often called the “traction battery.” This rechargeable electric vehicle battery (EVB) powers the electric motor, creating a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

The traction battery is the same type used in a battery electric vehicle (BEV). With this renewable energy source, power is provided to the electric motor instantaneously. This is one reason that hybrids have better fuel economy and can provide faster acceleration. 

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Charging the RAV4 Hybrid’s Battery

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t charge as a plug-in model does. You won’t plug the RAV4 Hybrid into a charger to gain more battery power.

Instead of plugging in, the RAV4 Hybrid uses regenerative braking to charge the traction battery. The regenerative braking system transfers kinetic energy from the object in motion to stored energy for later usage. 

The gas engine of the RAV4 Hybrid also charges the traction battery whenever it is running. In turn, the electric motor can use the power gained from the battery to improve efficiency. 

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Differences Between the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime

Based solely on the electric motor and battery configuration of the two, the RAV4 Hybrid doesn’t get plugged in, while the RAV4 Prime does. Instead of using an external power source for recharging, the RAV4 Hybrid relies on regenerative braking and the gas engine. 

The RAV4 Hybrid also has a smaller electric battery than the Prime model. Because of this, it’s not as fuel efficient as the Prime model, nor can it travel as far on electric-only power. In EV mode, the Hybrid only travels up to 0.6 miles at very slow speeds, while the Prime can go up to 42 miles at full speeds. 

The RAV4 Hybrid starting price is also lower than the Prime. Plus, it achieves 40 mpg combined, compared to the 38 mpg combined from the Prime (without a charged battery). Aside from that, the RAV4 Hybrid produces only 219 horsepower while the Prime creates 302 horsepower.

Aside from those differences, there are some similarities. Both models include the following:

  • Same exterior dimensions
  • High-tech infotainment and safety features
  • Comparable seating configuration

Additionally, neither the RAV4 Hybrid nor the Prime qualifies for the federal EV tax credit.

Although you may have to wait a few months to pick up a new RAV4 Hybrid, it may be easier to get your hands on when compared to a RAV4 Prime. RAV4 Prime availability has proven to be challenging. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking to charge the battery. It also charges from the gas-powered engine while it is running. It doesn’t get plugged in like the RAV4 Prime. 

Yes, the gas motor charges the RAV4 Hybrid battery while it’s running. You can’t plug in the RAV4 Hybrid to charge the battery, as you would with the RAV4 Prime. 

A hybrid car will cost more money upfront than a gas-only model. Additionally, there’s more technology that could go wrong, meaning more repairs if the system isn’t built properly. Aside from that, the maintenance cost could be higher, and battery replacements are expensive. 

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Models are Known for Efficiency

You don’t necessarily need to understand how the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid works to know it’s an efficient SUV. With the help of a rechargeable battery, the RAV4 Hybrid earns exceptional fuel economy ratings.

If you’re looking to go further on a tank of gas, the RAV4 Hybrid has you covered. Check this hybrid SUV out at a Toyota dealership near you.

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8 Comments

  1. Bert Seeliger says:

    Hi, what is “low speed” for .6 miles ?

    Reply
  2. Susan Macias says:

    What is the most economical driving mode to be in?

    Reply
  3. Betty J. Harrison says:

    How often does the oil need to be change on a 2015 Rav4 SE?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Tom Aresin says:

    Of note is the fact that almost identical (as far as I can see) hybrid power unit was developed in 1935 and used in the speed train – called Slovenska Strela, Prague – Bratislava. Details in Wiki – alas only in Czech, I cannot find any English equivalent, https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorov%C3%BD_v%C5%AFz_M_290.0
    Same page in English is pathetically poor …

    My translation of the relevant part:
    “Electromechanical power transmission
    The solution was to connect a DC generator and a traction electric motor to the internal combustion engine. At start-up and low speeds, the stator of the generator was powered by the internal combustion engine and the induced current drove the electric motor, in other words the power was transferred electrically. When reaching a speed of approximately 82 km/h, depending on the engine speed, the electromagnetic vane clutch was automatically engaged (the corresponding controller could also be operated manually by the driver), thus shutting down the generator and the engine power was mechanically transmitted directly through the shaft without any further transmission.

    A significant advantage of this system was the transfer of the full torque of the internal combustion engine directly to the drive axle, starting from speeds close to zero. Compared to the conventional mechanical power transfer, this solution enabled the car to start more smoothly without unpleasant jerking and with great acceleration thanks to the higher torque of the electric transmission. Another advantage was the easy control of the car, higher efficiency and thus more economical operation.”

    ( The second sentence of the first paragraph looks to me like an error, I believe it should read “.. rotor of the generator.. ” – but the translation is correct, and who am I to argue with Wiki? )

    This seems to me very similar to RAV4 hybrid setup – as far as I can understand your description, but the transmission of RAV 4 is still a mystery to me.

    BTW my current 5.6 L/100 km equals 42 MPG – nice isn’t it?

    Reply
  5. Chris Sharpe says:

    We are so glad we decided on the RAV4 Hybrid Limited in June 2016. We have 123,000 km on it now and average 6.5 L/100 Kms in the warmer seasons and 7.4 L/100 Kms in the winter here in Ontario, Canada. It is great in the snow.

    Reply