Subaru has confirmed that it will launch its first all-electric vehicle in the first half of this decade. In terms of size, Subaru says that its EV will be an SUV with similar exterior dimensions to the Forester. The SUV will be built on a platform shared with Toyota dubbed e-TNGA. When this yet to be named SUV goes on sale, Europe will be one of the first markets to get it due to strict emissions standards. Subaru hasn’t revealed when the SUV will come to the U.S.
Currently, the Crosstrek is the only Subaru available with an electrified powertrain in the U.S. The Crosstrek Hybrid features a 2.0-liter flat-four coupled to a CVT, an 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, and two electric motors. Total system output is 148 hp, and the Crosstrek Hybrid can travel up to 17 miles in EV mode. With a full fuel tank and a charged battery, the Crosstrek Hybrid is capable of traveling 480 miles.
In other global markets, Subaru offers its e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. This system takes Subaru’s trademark horizontally-opposed engine and couples it to an electric motor, a small lithium-ion battery, and a CVT. Unlike the powertrain in the Crosstrek Hybrid, the e-Boxer system is a standard hybrid, there’s no need to plug in to maximize efficiency. In Europe, three models are available with this power plant; the Forester, Crosstrek, and Impreza.
As Subaru electrifies its lineup, we expect the automaker to preserve its rugged image with standard AWD. The partnership with Toyota should help accelerate the addition of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs to Subaru’s lineup. Subaru could benefit greatly from this partnership because Toyota is also poised to be the first automaker to release vehicles with the coveted solid-state battery, a game changer for electrified vehicles.
