Toyota RAV4 Electric: $49,800

Toyota Motor Corp. says the latest electric version of its RAV4 small crossover will retail for $49,800 when it debuts in California late this summer. The models will qualify for a combined $10,000 in federal and state tax credits or rebates.

Toyota expects to deliver just 2,600 RAV4 EVs over three years to "early technology adopters." The company sold 1,500 of its first-generation electric RAV4 over seven years.

The new front-wheel-drive model is equipped with a 154-hp electric motor and lithium-ion battery. In Sport mode, the RAV4 EV can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 100 mph. In Normal mode, those figures are 8.6 seconds and 85 mph.

The new front-wheel drive EV has a range of about 100 miles the same as the first-generation model, which was powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery. Toyota says the new model can be recharged in six hours from a 240-volt outlet. The battery has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Toyota says the RAV4's 0.30 coefficient of drag is the lowest among all SUVs worldwide. Special design elements include a more aerodynamic front bumper and grill, side mirrors, rear spoiler and underbody.

Among the vehicle's standard features are LED running lights and low beams, halogen high beams, rear LED lamps, heated front seats and eight-inch touch screen. Toyota says the RAV4 EV offers 73 cu. ft. of cargo capacity the same as a standard model. The vehicle's battery fits under the floor, giving the EV sedan-like handling, according to Toyota.

The new model, which will be produced at Toyota's assembly plant in Woodstock, Ont., is equipped with a electric powertrain and battery system from California-based Tesla Motors Inc., in which Toyota holds a $50 million stake.

Toyota says it will offer the RAV4 EV through a handful of dealers only in metropolitan Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The company has selected Leviton as its approved recharger supplier.