Charging the extravagant Toyota RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 Prime or rather the now-called RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid for 2025 can be a great vehicle to own for advanced features like horsepower, torque, and towing capacity. But this cutting-edge technology also requires you to learning charging it to fully enjoy its benefits.
Learning how to do so will enable you to save yourself the expense of fuel and also contribute to protecting the environment.
In this comprehensive guide, I am sharing everything I know about how to charge your RAV4 Prime/Plug-In Hybrid to help you make the most out of the driving experience.
I will also be going over everything from the different spots of charging that you familiarize yourself with. So, let’s begin!
Note: Since the 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid and previous RAV4 Primes are the same in the way they charge, I will be using these terms interchangeably throughout the article.
Charging Levels
To be able to fully understand the how-to’s and where-to’s of charging, let me take a step and explain the different levels of charging that your PHEV can take.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime can be charged at two different levels. These levels differ by the speed of charging, charging equipment, and the power source.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is the easiest level to access. It only needs a standard household outlet. But it is the slowest way to charge taking 12 hours or more to fully charge. This is because it charges at 12A or with a 120V outlet (you may use a 220V outlet as well).
It typically provides a range of 4-5 miles an hour. This charging level is perfect for overnight charging or when you have plenty of time to spare.
Level 2 Charging
This level of charging requires you to find a dedicated charging station. This is the level of charging found on public charging stations nationwide. Level 2 charging is faster at 26.6 kilowatts (32A).
It can be accessed with a 120V outlet (110V will also work) and usually provides a range of around 25–30 miles per hour. This charging level is perfect for daily use and can fully charge your RAV4 Prime in just 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Note: Level 3 charging also exists. This is possible through Toyota’s own charging system which uses DC fast charging. This is why it is the fastest type of charging. Unfortunately, this system is not compatible with the RAV4 Prime-Plug-In Hybrid as it currently only works on Toyota bZ4X.
How to Charge your RAV4 Prime/Plug-In Hybrid; A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know some of the basics, let’s begin with the guide. I am writing about some of the most common ways you can charge your RAV4 PHEV. Stick till the end to get the full picture.
Search For A Charging Station
Firstly, you need to search for the location of a nearby public charging station. There are a few very popular companies that help you achieve this. These are both mentioned below:
Plug Share
Plug Share is a renowned brand that allows you to open it on your mobile or desktop (more features like Trip Planner for long drives). After you log in, insert the details of your car so you may know which type of charging port you require.
Once you have opened it, you may see a variety of pins on the map. Use the legends feature to discern which pin refers to what kind of charging station (Public, High Power, Restricted, Under Repair, etc.). You may also use the filters option to select minimum power, network, etc.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is another company that specializes in mapping out electric charging stations. You may use the app on your phone and create an account. Choose a charging station that shows as a green pin on the map as green signals availability.
Remember, blue pins mean currently being used, and grey pins mean no updated information is available. Once you reach there, it is easy to use as it has a charge-on-tap ability to charge your car.
Meaning simply by bringing your phone close to the RFID reader, you may plug in the charger to start charging. You can also get a notification on your phone when your vehicle is done charging.
I would recommend trying both of these apps to get an idea of what works better for you.
The Toyota RAV4 Prime/Plug-In Hybrid’s Charger Type
The RAV4 PHEV’s charging plug or port type is the J1772. This plugin connector will ensure seamless charging whenever you are on the go. Fortunately, this is also the most commonly available port as most EV manufacturers use it, exempting Tesla.
How to Use the Charging Station
To open your gas cap, push it inwards and insert the charging cable inside it. Now wait for it to fill up. Remember that once you lock your car, the charger is automatically locked into place.
After it is done charging, you can unlock the car, and take out the charger. Plug it back into the station. Close your gas cap by simply pushing it in (make sure you hear a click).
Battery Size
The RAV4 Prime battery capacity is roughly 18kWh. But, Toyota allows you to use only 14.5kWh at maximum to ensure the durability of the battery.
This is to prevent the over-draining of the battery which can otherwise damage it. I personally would cheer on Toyota for doing this as the battery of the Plug-In Hybrid is no joke to replace!
How Much to Charge the RAV4
The question of how much to charge your PHEV comes down to your needs. Personally, I recommend that keeping a near to full battery every day can be a good backup in case you might need it. So, ensure you have it charged to the maximum as often as you can.
Why is Public Station Charging Faster?
The public stations use a 240V outlet with a 2,6.6kW charger. This is level 2 of charging which tends to fill an empty battery to full in 2.5 hrs. only. This is much less than the typical house outlet of 120V which requires an overnight connection of 12 hrs.
Bringing the Charging Station to Home
If you are wondering how to charge your RAV4 at home with faster charging of the public charging station, I have good news: you can achieve this.
You can follow either of Toyota’s official recommendations. These recommended companies allow for a level 2 charging point installation. They are mentioned below:
- Qmerit
- ChargePoint
These EV charger companies have some of the best level 2 chargers for your RAV4 Prime. They allow you to charge your RAV4 Prime at home so you can drive with ease during the day.
Alternatively, you may ask a licensed electrician to install a 240V outlet as a cheaper option. This will upgrade it from a standard household outlet to an at-home EV charging point.
What Not To Do
When you are charging your RAV4 Prime here are a few things to avoid using to prevent damage to your vehicle:
- Extension cables
- Surge protectors
- Multi-outlet power strips
Don’t use these tools or other similar devices as they may likely cause more damage than good.
How Does the RAV4 Hybrid Charge?
How the RAV4 Hybrid works is different from the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid in a few regards. One of the major ways it is different is the way they both charge.
While the Plug-In Hybrid uses a power source to charge, the Hybrid self-charges. This is why you don’t see a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid charging station out there.
Toyota’s iconic “regenerative braking” technology for the RAV4 Hybrid utilizes the kinetic energy from the brakes each time you apply them.
This energy then gets turned it into electrical power which is then stored in the battery. Because the bits of power generated solely from braking are limited, the Hybrid cannot travel with much speed or distance on pure electric power.
FAQs
Can I charge my Toyota RAV4 Prime at any public charging station?
Yes, you can charge your Toyota RAV4 Prime at any public charging station. They must be compatible with the vehicle's charging specs.
How can I find nearby charging stations for my Toyota RAV4 Prime?
Numerous charging station locator apps and websites are available for this. These can help you find nearby charging stations based on your location. Some apps also provide real-time availability and additional information about each station.
Can I charge my Toyota RAV4 Prime using solar panels?
Yes, you can charge your Toyota RAV4 Prime using solar panels. You can benefit from clean, renewable energy to charge your vehicle.
You can do this by installing a solar charging system at your home. Or you may resort to using solar-powered public charging stations.
Are there any maintenance requirements for the charging equipment?
Yes, charging equipment may require regular maintenance to ensure proper functionality and safety. It is important to consult your manufacturer's guidelines. This helps in the maintenance and periodic inspections of your charging equipment.
Does charging the RAV4 Prime require extra charging equipment?
No, the charging equipment is enough for Level 1 charging as it requires only a standard electrical outlet. This can be found in one's house.
Is the Toyota RAV4 self-charging?
No, the Toyota RAV4 does not have self-charging capability in the sense of being a fully electric vehicle with regenerative braking and onboard charging.
However, some models of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid feature a hybrid powertrain that utilizes regenerative braking to recharge the battery while driving, improving fuel efficiency.
Can you jump-start a RAV4 Prime?
Yes, you can jump-start a Toyota RAV4 Prime. Like any other vehicle with a traditional internal combustion engine, you can use jumper cables if the battery is depleted or discharged.
You can also use another vehicle's battery to jump-start the RAV4 Prime's engine. Refer to the vehicle's manual for specific instructions and precautions before attempting to jump-start any vehicle.
How to Charge RAV4 Hybrid?
The RAV4 hybrid charging is different from the PHEV. It uses the signature regenerative braking ability to charge its battery. For this reason, the RAV4 Hybrid does not need to be plugged.
Does the RAV4 Hybrid charge when braking?
Yes, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid utilizes regenerative braking, which charges the hybrid battery when braking or coasting.
Does the RAV4 Prime get 90 mpg?
Yes. According to EPA estimates, the Toyota RAV4 Prime's combined fuel efficiency rating is roughly 90 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) while running in hybrid mode. However, actual mileage may differ based on habits, driving circumstances, and other variables.
It's essential to consult the specific EPA ratings and conduct thorough research to understand the expected fuel efficiency of the RAV4 Prime in different driving scenarios.
Can a Toyota RAV4 Prime use a Tesla charger?
No, a Toyota RAV4 Prime cannot use a Tesla charger. Tesla vehicles use a proprietary charging connector and protocol that are incompatible with other electric vehicles, including the RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime utilizes standard charging connectors compatible with non-Tesla charging stations.
If you have further questions about the Toyota RAV4 Prime Charging, visit the official Toyota website.
Sources
If you want to learn more about the different levels of charging, you may click here.
Conclusion
We hope you have gained valuable insights through the Toyota RAV4 Prime charging guide. You have now learned to power up your RAV4 Prime effortlessly. You can understand the factors that contribute to the charging of your RAV4. You have also grasped how to overcome challenges and maximize the battery life of your SUV. This will extend its range and let you enjoy electric driving. Safe and happy charging!