New reports are emerging regarding a Toyota prototype vehicle featuring a Tesla electric drive unit. This vehicle was announced in a recent interview with Toyota CEO and president Akio Toyoda. The development was later confirmed by Tesla’s Chief Technology Officer, J.B. Straubel.
A total of two test mules are currently being worked on between the automakers. They feature Tesla battery packs, power electronics and motors, all of which are being fitted into Toyota vehicles.
Straubel reported that the two vehicles should be delivered to Toyota later this month. It has been said that the test mules will be used to test the performance and durability of the Tesla packs and to see if they meet Toyota’s standards.
Should a Tesla-Toyota electric vehicle enter production, it will likely be an entirely new model and will not be the Toyota/Scion iQ-based EV that’s slated for 2012.
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