Electric Rav4 coming from Toyota

Toyota affirmed today that an electric version of its Rav4 small SUV would go on sale to the public in 2012. Other reports had suggested the vehicle would be available only for fleets.

The new Rav4 EV 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.

Earlier this month, Toyota announced an electric version of its Scion iQ city car. With the Rav4 EV, Toyota says it will be the only automaker offering two electric cars in 2012.