(July 20, 2011) Toyota announced on Tuesday that, indeed, it will be offering the RAV4 EV electric to the general public sometime in 2012. There were reports from some blog sites that the RAV4 would be offered only to fleet and car sharing programs.

There have been no details as to the exact time of availability or price.

It has been announced that the new RAV4 will use a Tesla-built drive system, and get 100 miles of range in real-world driving. Toyota showed off a concept version of the RAV4 EV at last year's Los Angeles auto show.

Toyota said in a press release, "We anticipate robust public interest in the RAV4 EV and are keen to inform consumers that their future vehicle options include a battery electric Toyota."

Toyota is the only manufacturer bringing two battery electric vehicles to the market in 2012 — the RAV4 EV and the Scion iQ EV.  The Scion iQ EV will be marketed to fleet and car sharing programs only.