Subaru's Electric Vehicle Plans: What's The Latest?

is subaru planning an electric vehicle

Subaru has already entered the electric vehicle market with the 2023 Solterra electric SUV, jointly developed with Toyota. The automaker plans to build a dedicated EV assembly plant in Japan by 2027 as part of a multibillion-dollar investment in electrification. By 2030, Subaru aims for 40% of its global sales to come from hybrids and pure EVs, with all vehicles sold worldwide having some form of electrification technology. This shift towards electrification is a significant step for the company, and customers can expect more electric models in the coming years as Subaru expands its EV lineup.

Characteristics Values
Current electric vehicle Solterra electric SUV
Manufacturer of Solterra Toyota
Year of launch 2023
Investment in electrification $2.05 billion
Target global sales by 2030 40%
Dedicated EV plant location Oizumi plant, Japan
EV plant investment 250 billion yen
EV plant construction start year 2027

shunzap

The 2023 Solterra EV

The Solterra offers an advanced StarDrive powertrain, which eliminates tailpipe emissions and the need for gasoline or oil changes, significantly reducing the environmental impact of each mile driven. The StarDrive powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 228 miles with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The vehicle also provides various options for fast and convenient charging, both at home and on the go. It comes with a charger that works with any standard 120V outlet for Level 1 charging, and you can also install a 240V Level 2 charger at home for overnight charging.

The 2023 Solterra is expected to earn up to a combined 104 MPGe, per its EPA rating. It has a gross battery pack capacity of 72.8 kWh, with models on 18-inch wheels offering a range of 228 miles and those on 20-inch wheels rated at 222 miles. When plugged into a Level 2 charging station, the Solterra's onboard 6.6-kW charger can recharge the battery in nine hours. Additionally, connecting it to a 100-kW DC fast-charger can provide an 80% charge in about 56 minutes.

The Solterra also features standard safety technologies such as EyeSight Driver Assist and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation Systems. It includes key safety features like forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle has a limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covering five years or 60,000 miles, and electrical component coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles.

shunzap

$2.05 billion investment in electrification

Subaru has committed $2.05 billion towards electrification, with the company's CEO, Tomomi Nakamura, outlining the plans in May 2022. This investment is in response to feedback from US dealers about the growing demand for EVs. As part of this initiative, Subaru plans to build a dedicated EV assembly plant in Japan by 2027, with production expected to be limited initially and expanded over time. The $2.05 billion investment will be made over the next five years, with the goal of having 40% of its global sales come from hybrids and pure EVs by 2030.

The company's first EV, the 2023 Solterra EV, is priced at USD 44,995 in the US and will be eligible for a $7,500 tax credit and other state incentives. The Solterra EV will be manufactured at Toyota's Motomachi assembly plant in Japan, the same facility where Toyota is producing its first EV, the bZ4X. However, Subaru has expressed its intention to eventually manufacture its EVs in-house.

Nakamura has stated that Subaru will initially produce its EVs in a mixed production scenario with internal combustion engine vehicles at its Yajima plant in Japan in the mid-2020s. The Yajima plant will serve as a transitional step before the company constructs a dedicated EV factory on the site of the Oizumi plant, which currently manufactures engines and transmission systems.

The electric vehicles produced at the new factory will be exported worldwide, including to the United States. This investment in electrification demonstrates Subaru's commitment to meeting the growing demand for EVs and contributing to the global shift towards electric vehicles.

shunzap

Targeting 40% global sales from EVs by 2030

Subaru has set an ambitious target of achieving 40% of its global sales from electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030. This goal is part of the company's broader strategy to transition to electric mobility and contribute to a carbon-free society. To meet this target, Subaru is making significant investments in EV technology and production capabilities.

The company has already introduced its first electric SUV, the Solterra, which is currently being produced at Toyota's Motomachi assembly plant in Japan. The Solterra EV offers an all-wheel-drive, a long-lasting electric powertrain, and safe, convenient technology. With a starting price of $44,995, the Solterra is expected to reach US dealers in limited numbers during the summer of 2022.

Subaru has also announced plans to establish a dedicated EV assembly plant in Japan by 2027. This decision aligns with the company's multibillion-dollar investment in electrification over the next five years. The new plant will be built on the site of the Oizumi plant, allowing for the expansion of EV production capacity over time. This in-house manufacturing approach will enable Subaru to have greater control over the quality and supply of its electric vehicles.

To further strengthen its EV portfolio, Subaru intends to introduce three new EVs by the end of 2026 and expand its battery-powered lineup to eight models by 2028. The company has set an intermediate target of selling 400,000 battery EVs in the United States by 2028. By achieving this milestone, Subaru will be well on its way to meeting its goal of 600,000 annual EV sales worldwide by 2030.

In conclusion, Subaru's target of 40% global sales from EVs by 2030 demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and product development, Subaru is positioning itself to become a significant player in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. By embracing electrification, Subaru is not only responding to consumer demands but also contributing to a more environmentally conscious future for the automotive industry.

shunzap

Dedicated EV assembly plant in Japan by 2027

On May 12, 2022, Subaru announced its plans to build a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Japan by 2027. This announcement was made by Subaru CEO Tomomi Nakamura while disclosing the company's fiscal year earnings. The new EV assembly plant is part of a multibillion-dollar investment in electrification and hybrid technologies over the next five years.

The automaker intends to invest 250 billion yen ($2.05 billion) to boost its electrification efforts, with a target of at least 40% of its global sales coming from hybrids and pure EVs by 2030. This target was further emphasised by CEO Nakamura, who stated that Subaru plans to electrify all new vehicles sold worldwide, with this roll-out beginning in the early 2030s.

The new dedicated EV assembly plant will be built on the site of the Oizumi plant, which currently manufactures engines and transmission systems. This plant will initially have limited production capacity, with room to expand over time. The electric vehicles produced at this new factory will be exported to markets worldwide, including the United States.

Prior to the opening of this dedicated EV assembly plant, Subaru will launch a mixed-production line of gasoline and electric vehicles around 2025. This initial line will be located at the company's Yajima plant in Japan.

shunzap

The 2024 Solterra

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is an all-electric SUV with standard all-wheel drive and enough capability to go off-road. It is built on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and shares some design elements with other Subarus and Toyotas. The Solterra has a dual-motor powertrain that generates 215 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque, with four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Power, and X-mode. It has a fast-charging capability, with a charge time of about 35 minutes for a 10%-80% charge. The gross capacity of the battery pack is 72.8 kWh, with an EPA-estimated range of 227 miles for the Premium trim and 222 miles for the Limited and Touring trims.

The interior of the Solterra features a high-mounted digital gauge cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and an elevated center console with a rotary shift knob. It also offers a host of driver-assistance features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technologies, DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, and Solterra Connect, which provides additional convenience and safety. The 2024 model has an improved battery warming system for better charging in cold weather, and a new "squirkle" (square-circle) steering wheel design that provides better leg room and visibility of the digital display.

The price of the 2024 Subaru Solterra starts at $46,340 and goes up to $53,340, depending on the trim and options. The mid-range Limited trim offers additional features such as 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Solterra gives Subaru loyalists an electric option, but its driving range may not be as competitive as other EVs on the market. However, it still offers the standard AWD capability that Subaru is known for, making it a reliable everyday car.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Subaru has already released the Solterra electric SUV.

The Subaru Solterra was released in 2023.

The 2024 update of the Solterra's battery conditioning system reduced charging time by up to 80 minutes when the ambient temperature is below freezing.

The 2024 Subaru Solterra is priced from $44,995 (excluding the destination and delivery fee).

Subaru plans to invest $2.05 billion in electrification by 2027, targeting at least 40% of its global sales to come from hybrids and pure EVs by 2030. The company is also planning to build a dedicated EV assembly plant in Japan in 2027.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment