Collaborating with fellow Japanese carmaker Toyota, Subaru have unveiled their first fully electric car, the Solterra. Keen observers will notice the similarities with Toyota’s recently revealed bZ4X – the Solterra is essentially a re-badged version of that car, with a modified grill and headlights.
Smaller manufacturers like Subaru have been slow to shift their operation over to all-electric as demand for EVs accelarates around the world, often lacking the investment that bigger companies are able to make.
“The EV market is not mature yet, so we will respond to it by deepening our cooperation with Toyota,” Subaru CEO Tomomi Nakamura said during a launch event.
The compact SUV will come in front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, serving up 201hp and 251hp respectively and able to cover 329 or 285 miles between charges.
Toyota owns 20% of Subaru, as well as a 5% stake in Mazda – the latter plans to launch 13 electrified vehicles by 2025, which will also share Toyota components and technology.
The Subaru Solterra will go on sale globally in 2022. It’s expected to cost around £40,000 at launch, making it one of Subaru’s most expensive cars.
