2013 Scion iQ EV arrives in the United States

The 2013 Scion iQ EV battery-electric vehicle will join car-sharing programs in the United States. The car features the first commercial use of Toyota's new high-performance lithium-ion battery, which boasts a frugal electric power consumption rate of 167.37 Wh per mile.

"Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles have the potential to play a role in future mobility strategies," said Chris Hostetter, group vice president of strategic planning at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Up to now, cost and convenience issues have limited BEV's appeal with a broad consumer market."

Available exclusively in Silver or Super Red, wider rear bumper, black headlamp casings, LED lights instead of regular bulbs, black air inlets, has no front grille and a front charging port.

Interior wise the 2013 Scion iQ EV gets a seven-inch touch screen with navigation, cabin has a black and white color scheme, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth seats will be patterned with an electrical plug motif, unique upholstery, a high-contrast black and white color scheme.

The 2013 Scion iQ EV is powered by high-output lithium-ion batteries, a 47-kilowatt (62 horsepower) electric motor that delivers 120 pound-feet of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 13.4 seconds, top speed for the car comes in at 78 mph. It can be fully recharged on a 240-volt outlet in as little as three hours.

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