Car manufacturers Toyota have been intentional in their developments keeping ecofriendliness at the forefront of their innovation journey, a move that has seen them go heavy on hybrid cars to reduce fuel consumption and in the end, reduce carbon emissions.
In Uganda, hybrid cars have been a top topic of discussion and CFAO Mobility, the authorised distributors of Toyota cars has not been left behind. Following the launch of the Toyota Cross Hybrid, CFAO has yet again launched another hybrid car on the Ugandan market, the Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid.
The new Rav4 Hybrid is not very different from the ordinary Rav 4 except for a change from using only the Internal combustion engine to Hybrid power which eventually brought about a total change in performance and fuel efficiency.
“While at low speed, the Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid’s engine will switch off and turn to hybrid mode. At this point, your fuel is not being used but rather, the car is using the hybrid battery to move. It will automatically turn the engine back on if you require more power,” said Ronald Kalule, a professional trainer at CFAO Mobility.
“The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is equipped with a high-capacity hybrid battery, which is a key component of the vehicle’s hybrid system. This battery stores electrical energy generated during driving and regenerative braking. It powers the electric motor, enabling the vehicle to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds or when idling,” added Kalule.
Moving through Kampala traffic is a big issue for motorists as it increases fuel consumption. But, this issue has been solved by the Hybrid cars since they will automatically switch the engine off when in slow speed and while idling.
Kalule further explained that with hybrid cars, there is another advantage of reduced wear of break pads compared to normal cars that rely only on internal combustion engines.
“For a hybrid car, breaks wear slowly because the kinetic energy that would be lost into breaking is converted into electric energy hence less work on the break pedal giving it a longer lifespan,” Kalule told us during a test drive session.
The RAV4 Hybrid’s battery is self charging and does not require any external charging. The self charging is achieved through two primary methods: Regenerative Braking, which captures kinetic energy during braking and converts it into electrical energy to recharge the battery, and Engine Power, which uses excess power from the gasoline engine to generate electricity and charge the battery.
Kaluule explained that the intelligent switching system in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is designed to seamlessly and efficiently manage the power distribution between the petrol engine and the electric motor. This system optimizes performance and fuel efficiency by automatically deciding which power source, or combination of sources, should be used based on various driving conditions.
The RAV4 Hybrid features a range of advanced comfort and convenience features, including a multimedia touch screen, leather seats, ventilated seats, and a smart entry and start system. Safety features include a reverse camera, parking sensors, SRS airbags, and a multi-terrain anti-lock brake system.
With a spacious interior, generous ground clearance, and a minimum turning radius of 5.5 meters, the RAV4 Hybrid is designed for versatility and maneuverability. The vehicle can accommodate up to five passengers and has a towing capacity of up to 800 kg.
With fuel prices in Uganda averaging around UGX 5,500 per liter, the RAV4 Hybrid’s fuel economy is a significant selling point. According to Kalule, the vehicle will give you up to 22km while cruising and 18km on slow speed.
When you purchase the vehicle from CFAO Mobility, you will get a 2-year free service and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, providing you with complete peace of mind.
As the exclusive manufacturer-authorized distributor for Toyota vehicles and genuine spare parts in Uganda, only CFAO Motors can offer this warranty, making it a deal that’s hard to resist for consumers looking for a reliable and environmentally friendly vehicle.