- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr He
Subaru Solterra makes its debut in Japan
On November 10, Subaru presented the Solterra, its first electric SUV jointly developed with Toyota. What do the recently unveiled Toyota bZ4X and Subaru’s first production electric vehicle have in common? They share one platform, a twin-engine powertrain (in case of Toyota, only in the top-end version) and a similar exterior design, especially at the rear. The cars have similar interiors, but the Subaru Solterra does not have the solar panels optionally offered by the Toyota bZ4X. Not all information has been disclosed yet, but we will be happy to share with you everything we know.
The new model is built on the e-Subaru Global Platform (Toyota calls it e-TNGA). Both SUVs are 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,650 mm high. The new Subaru Solterra weighs 2,020 kg and is powered by two engines, one on each axle. Unlike the bZ4X, the Solterra is all-wheel drive as standard. It is an AWD X-Mode system that can handle different types of surfaces and is complemented by a new Grip Control function to ensure stability at speed.
The name Solterra is derived from the Latin words ‘Sol’ (‘Sun’) and ‘Terra’ (‘Earth’)
The twin-engine powertrain reaches 218 hp (160 kilowatts), and it draws energy from a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 71.4 kilowatt-hours located under the floor. It can be charged from a 150 kilowatt station, and a full charge is enough for a journey of up to 460 kilometers (WLTC). It will take about half an hour to charge the batteries up to 80 percent.
The suspension of the electric vehicle is independent, with the MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbones rear suspension. The 18-inch wheels are standard, and 20-inch wheels will be offered for a surcharge.
The Subaru Solterra production will begin in mid-2022. The model will be global. In addition to its native Japan, it will be delivered to the markets of Europe, China, the USA and Canada. The vehicle will be unveiled in the United States on November 17. Its expected cost will be between $30,000 and $40,000.
