According to the official website of Subaru, the brand’s first electric SUV, SOLTERRA, was globally launched via live broadcast at 9:30 am Japan time this morning. Subaru CEO Tomomi Nakamura and SOLTERRA’s lead developer Daihachi Ono attended and introduced the new vehicle.
As explained by Nakamura, the name “SOLTERRA” combines the Latin words for “sun” and “earth” to signify Subaru’s pursuit of zero-emission and environmental protection. It is also the brand’s first pure electric vehicle, marking an important milestone in Subaru’s electrification transformation.
Backed by a Strong Partnership—Collaboration with Toyota in EV Development
Toyota holds a 20% stake in Subaru, making it the brand’s largest shareholder. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Japan’s carbon-neutral policies, saying that pushing for electrification too hastily could cause a significant impact on Japan’s auto industry. Nevertheless, Toyota, who prefers hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles, launched its pure electric platform called e-TNGA and brought a midsize pure electric SUV called bZ4X.
The enormous financial pressure to move from combustion engines to new energy has posed a significant challenge for Subaru and other smaller automakers. Subaru has chosen to cooperate with top automakers such as Toyota to overcome this difficult transition period. Therefore, it is not surprising that the appearance and interior of Subaru’s first pure electric SUV, SOLTERRA, share similarities with Toyota’s bZ4X.
As per the introduction, SOLTERRA can simulate engine sound effects to ensure that Subaru’s electrification still produces the satisfying sound of a fuel-powered vehicle. Although this might seem a bit self-deceptive, it might help consumers more readily accept Subaru’s first electric vehicle.
Brand Spirit Inherit—Subaru’s Excellent Four-wheel Drive System Still Exists Even in EV EraDuring the live broadcast, SOLTERRA’s chief vehicle development officer, Yoichi Ono, highlighted the vehicle’s four-wheel drive system. In the promotional video, the Subaru SOLTERRA demonstrated its moderate off-road capabilities with the help of its four-wheel drive system. For loyal Subaru fans in the electric era, the brand may have lost its signature horizontally opposed engine, but at least it retains its all-wheel drive, which provides some consolation to enthusiasts.
Forecast for the hardware of SOLTERRA
Although the hardware of SOLTERRA was not explicitly mentioned during the launch event, the hardware configuration of Toyota’s bZ4X on the same platform can be used as a reference. The bZ4X has a 71.4 kWh battery, a WLTC range of 500 kilometers, and a maximum DC charging power of 150 kilowatts, which can achieve 0-80\% charge in 30 minutes. In terms of driver assistance, the bZ4X uses Mobileye EyeQ4’s visual solution and integrates Continental’s millimeter-wave radar to achieve level two driver assistance, which is a moderate performance. Since 1989, Subaru has had 31 years of research experience with stereo cameras, and I am curious if SOLTERRA, which is produced on the same platform as Toyota, will abandon Subaru’s proud Eyesight system.
SOLTERRA is expected to be launched in 2022. Subaru, a brand with a legendary history, chose to survive after being acquired by Toyota and gave up its uniqueness. Although it is a reluctant choice, will Subaru, who is gradually losing its soul, become like Skoda, who was acquired by Volkswagen and became a re-badged product on the same assembly line? Let’s wait and see.
🔗Source: Subaru
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.