Long reluctant to get into the electric vehicle market, Subaru is finally ready to launch its first long-range EV, thanks to a partnership with Toyota.
The new Subaru Solterra isn’t scheduled to make its public debut until next week at the LA Auto Show. But in a surprise move, the Japanese automaker offered a sneak peek from Tokyo via the internet.
The Solterra is the work of a collaboration between Subaru and Japanese auto giant Toyota, the two previously allying on the development of twin sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86.
In line with Subaru’s increasing emphasis on off-roading, its new battery-powered SUV will feature an electrified version of the X-Mode system found on conventionally powered products like the new Forester Wilderness. While owners aren’t likely to take Solterra rock crawling, Subaru claims the system will help the electric SUV handle moderate off-road conditions.
Unlike other products equipped with X-Mode, Solterra won’t have a driveshaft connecting its axles. The all-wheel-drive version of the new crossover will feature separate motors on the front and rear axles. Torque can be shifted simply by altering the current to each of those power modules.
Subaru also plans to offer a single-motor, front-wheel-drive version of Solterra. That version will yield an estimated 530 kilometers, or 329 miles, per charge.
AWD Electric Subaru
The AWD version, meanwhile, should deliver 460 km, or 286 miles. Those estimates rely on the global WLTP test cycle. By comparison, EPA numbers for the U.S. typically run at least 20% lower.
One notable feature for Solterra is the heat pump system meant to reduce energy losses during cold weather, the automaker said.