Trystan Casey
Toyota and Subaru have a long history of collaboration, with their joint efforts resulting in the creation of the BRZ/86 rear-wheel-drive sports car and the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. In June 2019, the two companies announced their intention to jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles, leveraging their respective strengths in all-wheel-drive technologies and vehicle electrification. This partnership aims to address the challenges of vehicle electrification, including variations in energy situations, environmental regulations, and market needs across different countries and regions. By combining their expertise, Toyota and Subaru are working towards creating attractive BEV products that appeal to customers. This collaboration also allows both companies to minimize investment risks in the potentially less profitable and challenging business of EV manufacturing and sales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toyota and Subaru's electric platform location | e-TNGA platform co-developed by Toyota and Subaru |
| Vehicle based on the platform | Toyota bZ4X, also known as the Subaru Solterra |
| Vehicle type | Compact crossover SUV |
| Production locations | Japan, China, and the United States |
| Production timeline | Worldwide sales started in mid-2022 |
| Vehicle features | All-wheel-drive, steer-by-wire system, lithium-ion battery pack |
| Subaru's electric vehicle lineup | 2026 Subaru Uncharted, Trailseeker, and Solterra |
| Subaru's electric vehicle availability | On sale at retailers nationwide in early 2026 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The e-TNGA platform was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru
- The Toyota bZ4X is the first vehicle based on the e-TNGA platform
- The e-TNGA platform will be used in six electric vehicles
- Toyota and Subaru have a longstanding partnership
- The companies will jointly develop a platform for midsize and large BEVs
The e-TNGA platform was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru
Toyota and Subaru have a long history of collaboration, with their joint efforts resulting in the creation of the BRZ/86 rear-wheel-drive sports car and the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. The companies have been deepening their cooperation since 2005, working together in various fields, including development, production, and sales.
In June 2019, Toyota Motor Corporation and Subaru Corporation announced their plan to jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles. They also planned to co-develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV model, which would be sold under each company's brand. This collaboration aimed to combine the strengths of both companies, such as Subaru's all-wheel-drive technology and Toyota's vehicle electrification expertise.
The first vehicle to be based on their co-developed e-TNGA platform is the Toyota bZ4X, which is also the brand's first model in its "beyond Zero" series of zero-emissions vehicles. The e-TNGA platform contributed to the bZ4X's large interior space, with a wheelbase similar to that of the Land Cruiser (J300). The platform was also used for the Subaru version of the vehicle, marketed as the Subaru Solterra, and renamed the "e-Subaru Global Platform" (e-SGP).
Toyota and Subaru's partnership in the electric vehicle market makes sense for both companies as it helps minimize investment in the potentially less profitable and risky business of EV manufacturing and sales. By working together, they can leverage their respective strengths and brand loyalty to attract customers to their electric vehicles.
Buzzing Laptop: Electrical Fault or Normal Operation?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Toyota bZ4X is the first vehicle based on the e-TNGA platform
The Toyota bZ4X is a battery-electric compact crossover SUV manufactured by Toyota. It is the first vehicle based on the e-TNGA platform, which was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru. The e-TNGA platform is a dedicated electric vehicle architecture that allows for a spacious cabin and provides a solid foundation for the electric motor, resulting in outstanding driving performance, ride comfort, and stability. The bZ4X is part of Toyota's "'beyond Zero' series of zero-emissions vehicles and is marketed as the Toyota bZ in North America.
The development of the bZ4X involved input from both Toyota and Subaru. Toyota led the battery and eAxle development, while Subaru contributed to the all-wheel-drive control and collision safety features. The bZ4X is powered by an e-Axle unit that integrates the electric motor, gears, and inverter, manufactured by BluE Nexus, a joint venture between Toyota Group companies Aisin and Denso, with investment from Toyota. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) models use a single 1XM e-Axle rated at 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower), while all-wheel-drive (AWD) models use dual 1YM e-Axles rated at 80 kW (107 hp) each, resulting in a combined output of 160 kW (215 hp).
The bZ4X offers impressive driving performance, thanks to its dedicated platform and low centre of gravity. It provides instantaneous torque, with a horsepower rating of 201 for FWD and 214 for AWD. The estimated 0-60 acceleration time is 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD. The bZ4X also offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles for FWD and up to 228 miles for AWD. The vehicle's impressive handling is due in part to its battery cross-framing structure, which adds to overall vehicle rigidity.
The bZ4X cockpit is designed to keep the driver focused on the road and their hands on the wheel. The BEV-dedicated platform provides an extra-wide interior cabin, resulting in a spacious, quiet, and comfortable space for both drivers and passengers. The cabin offers ample legroom and side-to-side space, along with premium features such as piano-black parts and soft-touch materials. The bZ4X is also equipped with modern technology, including an intelligent throttle feature for smoother acceleration and deceleration and slip suppression for improved control on slippery roads.
The Toyota bZ4X is part of a joint effort between Toyota and Subaru to develop electric vehicles. A Subaru version of the bZ4X is marketed as the Subaru Solterra, featuring minor design changes and using the same e-TNGA platform rebranded as the "e-Subaru Global Platform" (e-SGP). The collaboration between Toyota and Subaru aims to bring more electric vehicles to the market, combining Toyota's technology and Subaru's design aesthetics.
Activating Electricity in Your Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The e-TNGA platform will be used in six electric vehicles
Toyota and Subaru have joined forces to develop as many electric vehicles as possible. The e-TNGA platform, which stands for electric Toyota New Global Architecture, is a dedicated platform for all-electric cars. The modular e-TNGA system can accommodate a wide range of vehicle types, from small to large cars. It is highly customisable, with several elements such as wheelbase, overhangs, and the number of batteries installed being adjustable. This flexibility enables the development of various vehicle types and performance levels, including front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Toyota plans to introduce six models based on the e-TNGA platform: a compact crossover, a medium crossover, a medium SUV, a medium minivan, a medium sedan, and a large SUV. The company intends to sell these electric vehicles at affordable prices to help popularise EVs. The e-TNGA platform is also expected to keep research and development spending in check.
The first vehicle based on the e-TNGA platform is the Toyota bZ4X, a battery electric compact crossover SUV. A Subaru version of the bZ4X is marketed as the Subaru Solterra, which is the first vehicle in Subaru's lineup of battery electric vehicles. The bZ4X and Solterra were introduced in 2021 and went on sale worldwide in 2022. These vehicles feature efficient motors, fast charging, and, in some markets, an optional steer-by-wire system.
Toyota and Subaru's collaboration on electric vehicles extends beyond the bZ4X and Solterra. Subaru has announced that it will build three more electric vehicles with Toyota, with one being produced at a Subaru factory in Yajima and another at a Toyota factory in the United States. These vehicles are expected to be electric SUVs, with one likely to be a three-row SUV. By the end of 2026, Subaru aims to have four EV SUV models available.
Fixing Unresponsive Buttons: The Power of Electrical Paste
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toyota and Subaru have a longstanding partnership
In June 2019, the two companies announced that they would jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles. They also agreed to jointly develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV model, which would be sold under each company's brand. This agreement built on their existing partnership, aiming to address the urgent need to respond to the "E" domain of electrified powertrains and components. The e-TNGA platform was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, serving as the basis for the Toyota bZ4X, marketed as the Subaru Solterra. This vehicle debuted in April 2021 and marked the first model in Toyota's bZ ("beyond Zero") series of zero-emissions vehicles.
Toyota and Subaru's partnership has continued to flourish, with Subaru choosing Toyota as its partner for its next three electric vehicles. This decision was influenced by Toyota's US factory capacity and Subaru's production constraints at its Indiana factory. By the end of 2026, Subaru aims to offer four EV SUV models. One will be produced at Subaru's Yajima factory, and another at a Toyota factory in the US, specifically in Kentucky, starting in 2025.
The two companies have also collaborated on the second generation of affordable sports coupes, the BRZ/86, and the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. Their joint efforts have resulted in a multi-generational collaboration, solidifying their partnership as iconic and well-recognized in the automotive industry.
Understanding Balanced Loads in Electrical Circuits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The companies will jointly develop a platform for midsize and large BEVs
Toyota and Subaru have been in a partnership since 2005, and they have now agreed to jointly develop a platform dedicated to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) for midsize and large passenger vehicles. They will also develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV model, which will be sold under each company's brand. This collaboration will combine their respective strengths, such as Subaru's all-wheel-drive technology and Toyota's vehicle electrification technology.
Toyota and Subaru's joint efforts have already brought us the BRZ/86 rear-wheel-drive sports car and the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs. The bZ4X, first introduced in 2021, is the first vehicle based on the e-TNGA platform co-developed by the two companies. It is part of Toyota's "beyond Zero" series of zero-emissions vehicles, with worldwide sales starting in mid-2022.
Subaru has chosen Toyota to build its next three electric vehicles, with one built at Subaru's factory in Yajima, another at a Toyota factory in the U.S., and the third being a mystery. By the end of 2026, Subaru plans to offer four EV SUV models.
Toyota has significant U.S. factory capacity, unlike Subaru, which often faces production constraints at its U.S. factory in Indiana. This partnership makes sense for both companies as it allows them to minimize investment in the potentially less profitable and risky business of EV manufacturing and sales.
Both companies aim to address the challenges of vehicle electrification, such as variations in energy situations, government policies, environmental regulations, and market needs. They also recognize the need for large-capacity batteries and an improved charging infrastructure to enhance the appeal of their BEVs.
The Best GE Seal for Chimney Flashing
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Toyota and Subaru electric platform is located in Japan and China, with plans to produce vehicles in the United States.
The electric platform developed by Toyota and Subaru is called the e-TNGA platform, which stands for "e-Subaru Global Platform".
The e-TNGA platform is used in the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, which are electric SUVs.
The e-TNGA platform integrates the electric motor, gears, and inverter into an e-Axle unit. It also offers all-wheel drive and collision safety features.
