Subaru Electric Car ‘Solterra’ isn’t an electrified Forester [Update]

Update: ‘Subaru Solterra Review’ section added.

The Subaru Solterra, which the media referred to as the Subaru Evoltis previously, debuted as the first Subaru electric car in November 2021. It was displayed at the 2021 LA Auto Show.

The Solterra, developed in association with Toyota, is not an electrified Subaru Forester or a ‘conversion’ of an existing Subaru product. Subaru has invested in the future by creating the Solterra, an electric car that is not a traditional engine swap. Unlike other auto manufacturers, Subaru has moved forward without waiting to see if its electric cars will catch on, with help from Toyota.

Video Source: YouTube/Subaru

In this story, we take a close look at what we know of the Solterra.

Design

Subaru says that it created the name “Solterra” by joining the word “Sol” and “Terra,” which mean the “Sun” and the “Earth,” respectively, in Latin. The C-segment is the most popular class worldwide and gives automakers a very high level of scale and decent margins. That explains why Volkswagen, Nissan, and Skoda focus on electric cars in the C-segment first – consider the VW ID.3, the VW ID.4, Nissan Leaf, Skoda Enyaq, and the Nissan Ariya. In line with the industry trend, Subaru has introduced a C-segment BEV first, in the SUV body style.

The Solterra looks very similar to the Toyota bZ4X, as they share the basic design and platform. Image Source: Subaru

The Subaru Solterra is basically a differently designed Toyota bZ4X, and that is evident in its identical shape. Subaru appears to have made no sheet-metal changes and dealt with the easily swappable parts like the lights, grilles, bumpers, and wheels to keep the costs low.

At the front, the Solterra has bigger headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights that are typical of Subarus. Designers have used a unique hexagonal faux radiator grille and a distinctive bumper also to set its electric SUV apart from its twin. Both parts carry a sharper design, making the front-end more aggressive compared to the Toyota. Another difference is the application of fog lamps on the Subaru model, a feature that aligns well with the brand’s adventure-themed vehicle line-up.

The Solterra offers one of the finest interiors ever in a Subaru. Image Source: Subaru

On the sides, the ‘EV’ badge instead of the bZ4X’s ‘ELECTRIC’ badge on the charging port cover and the model-specific alloy wheels are the differences on the Solterra. At the rear, the Solterra again tries to show that it’s very much a Subaru with uniquely designed tail lamps featuring C-shaped light guides. Unlike on the bZ4X, there’s no light band connecting the tail lamps. The interior design is the same, with the steering wheel’s closed bottom spoke being the only exception. There’s no yoke steering or wing-shaped steering option in this model.

Specifications

Subaru has not spelled out the complete specifications of the Solterra for the U.S. market, but it has released some preliminary figures. As for what has not been announced, we can guess based on what is offered in Japan.

The Subaru Solterra rides on the e-Subaru Global platform co-developed with Toyota. It will go on sale in the U.S. in the middle of the year. Image: Toyota

The above photograph shows the component structure of the platform with the drive system mounted under the hood and the battery pack embedded in the floor. The Subaru Solterra does not feature a front trunk or a ‘frunk,’ but it does have a nearly flat floor.

In Japan, the Subaru Solterra has a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that operates at 355 volts. It will be available in 150 kW (201 hp) single-motor FWD and 160 kW (214 hp) dual-motor AWD configurations. Subaru is targeting a WLTC range of 530 km (329 miles) from the Solterra FWD and 460 km (286 miles) from the Solterra AWD.

Specification2023 Subaru Solterra (USA)EV Range (estimated miles)220+Motor output (hp)215Motor Torque (lb.-ft.)248Passenger volume (cu.ft)95.7Cargo volume upper/lower cargo floor position (cu.ft.)27.7/ 30.3Cargo volume from lower row (cu.ft.)30.3Total passenger & cargo volume (cu.ft.)126Rear cargo opening width (in.)41.3Wheelbase (in.)112.2Length (in.)184.6Width (in.)73.2Height (in.)65.0Seating Capacity5 passengersGround clearance (in.)8.3

U.S. spec Subaru Solterra preliminary specifications.

In the U.S., Subaru will offer the Solterra in only an AWD configuration with two motors that generate 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The company doesn’t mention the battery capacity, but it could be the U.S.-spec bZ4X AWD’s 72.8 kWh lithium-ion pack. The company is targeting a range of more than 220 miles for the U.S.-spec Solterra.

In Japan, Solterra customers will be able to charge it with up to 6.6 kW with AC using the on-board charger or with up to 150 kW with DC at fast-charging stations. Subaru hasn’t disclosed the peak charging power for the U.S.-spec Solterra, but it has said that charging to 80% SoC with a DC fast-charger will take less than an hour. Final specifications for the U.S. should become available in the coming months.

The Subaru Solterra features conventionally designed alloy wheels in 18- and 20-inch size options. Image Source: Subaru

Partnership justified

In June 2019, Toyota and Subaru agreed to develop a C-segment BEV SUV for sale with their own badges. Subaru borrowed Toyota’s technical resources for the Solterra instead of indigenously developing it because it wanted to keep the investment and risk low. Tomomi Nakamura, Representative Director, President, and CEO, Subaru, had said this in an interview with autonews.com. Concurring that the new electric SUV is a compliance car to adhere to California’s emission regulation, he suggested that the project was driven as much by the law as by the market demand.

Having sold a wide range of hybrid EVs for years now and a few pure EVs recently, Toyota possesses expertise in electrification that Subaru lacks. While Toyota may have a higher contribution to the platform’s development due to its better know-how regarding electrification, Subaru has leveraged its strengths in areas like all-wheel drive and control.

There are still some uncertainties about how fast the market for electric vehicles will grow, how far the cost of batteries will come down, and so on. Under these circumstances, we believe there is an opportunity in efficiently using our relatively limited resources as an automobile manufacturer in model development by switching from in-house development to joint development.

Subaru reasoning its decision for a joint BEV development during the Q2 FY2020 analyst briefing Q&A session

Features

Key features of the Solterra are similar to those of the bZ4X, but it doesn’t get all of the Toyota model’s equipment. The Solterra is Subaru’s first vehicle to feature fully automatic parking, although Subaru hasn’t confirmed that feature for the U.S. model. Other key features of the brand’s first EV include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, digital key, heat pump-type AC, X-Mode AWD control system, and Grip Control. Like the bZ4X, the Solterra has a shift-by-wire system with a dial-type gear selector and will be available with a solar, but it won’t be available with a steer-by-wire system.

All-wheel drive specialist

The Solterra benefits from Subaru’s advancements in all-wheel drive and control and Toyota’s vehicle electrification technologies. Image Source: Subaru

With Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, the Solterra should be capable of tackling snow, mud, and gravel with ease. While it’s not a rock-crawler, don’t take it for a high-riding wagon, for it’s a Subaru. It features the dual-function X-Mode system of ICE Subaru models that allows the driver to adapt the vehicle’s components for specific driving conditions like snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. There’s also a newly developed Grip Control, which consists of Hill Ascent and Descent Assist, to refine the SUV’s rough road performance.

There will be quick acceleration response, obviously. Not only that, our long-cultivated AWD capability will be further enhanced by precise, highly-responsive electric motors, which will lead to an increase in Subaru’s strengths such as stability, driving dynamics, and handling.

Tomomi Nakamura, President and CEO of Subaru (STEP 2.0 Mid-Term Management Vision Progress Briefing)

Subaru will offer the Solterra a number of active safety technologies. This is the company’s first model to feature a 360-degree surround-view camera (a Subaru-first) and Safe Exist Assist. EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert will also be available.

Subaru Solterra Reviews

According to Motor1.com’s review, the Subaru Solterra’s electric powertrain delivers ample power on highways to keep up with the traffic flow. There’s enough power in reserve for overtaking as well. What might disappoint customers is that the Soleterra’s drive modes only alter the throttle response—the steering and brake feel doesn’t change. The EV also comes with Dual Function X-Mode and a new low-speed cruise control-like function christened Grip Control. Grip Control auto-adjusts speed while driving off-road and comes with three settings; Low, Medium, and High. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, it can easily reach the far end of the trails.

Car and Driver says that customers can switch off stability control completely, after which the EV is happy to drift around on low-grip surfaces. Cnet‘s review suggests that the Solterra doesn’t deliver the outright performance like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It could have been more fun to drive if the electric motors were tuned for more power and torque. However, the Solterra makes up for this by outperforming rivals off the beaten path thanks to its more rugged demeanor.

Subaru Solterra production

The bZ4X’s production will take place at the Toyota Motomachi Plant in Japan and another factory in China. The Solterra should also roll out of the same plants. The China-made units may have a battery system jointly developed with CATL, as is the case with the bZ4X.

The joint-development with Toyota, plus the Toyota plant-based production would ensure the Solterra’s reliability. Unlike Subaru, Toyota is among the top 3 reliable brands in the U.S., as per a recent Consumer Reports study. Moreover, Toyota has already developed and is making several partially electrified (hybrid and plugin) cars that are impressive on the reliability aspect. The bZ4X and Solterra twins should also be such high-quality products offering, despite being new EVs.

Subaru Solterra U.S. launch

The order book for the 2023 Subaru Solterra has been closed owing to overwhelming demand. The reservations opened on February 8, 2022, in the U.S, across all 50 states, and the EV was sold out within 72 hours, as confirmed by Subaru of America. Subaru’s official website reads, “retailer reservation opportunities for the 2023 Soletrra have closed.”

Expect prices to start at around USD 40,000 at launch. While deliveries will begin Summer 2022 onwards, the process for final orders, pricing, and availability will be discussed by their respective retailers between April and May 2022. In the U.S., customers will now have to wait for one year until the reservations reopen.

Moreover, Subaru has partnered with EVgo, the largest public fast-charging network in the U.S. to provide Subaru customers access to over 46,000 charging locations across all 50 states. The EVgo network has 800 public fast-charging locations and over 1200 Level 2 fast chargers in the United States.

Scarce availability

Hanover (Massachusetts)-based dealer Planet Subaru expects the availability to be scarce, and it could be that each American dealer gets one or two Solterras per month throughout this year. Solterra Forum user markkmcgough has already made a reservation for the Solterra in advance, and the dealership has suggested the same constraints for Canadians. The Canadian dealership will reportedly receive only 3 units of the Subaru electric car in June, July, and August.

Subaru has said the Solterra offers ample rear-seat and cargo room. Image Source: Subaru

Subaru’s focus in the U.S. market

The Solterra could be a game-changer for Subaru, allowing it to revamp the brand image with higher quality and more advanced technologies not offered on existing models. Subaru has announced that it will focus on U.S. customers and prioritize improving quality, both of which should lead to the Solterra receiving special attention during development.

Subaru plans to offer vehicles with new hybrid and pure electric powertrain technologies in North America before other regions. The company will continue rolling out new vehicles designed for U.S. customers from the very outset. These models, possibly including the Solterra, will come with Advanced Driver Assist Systems for safety, connected car technology, and AI-enabled technologies, as per an official announcement in 2021.

On June 24, 2021, Subaru released its annual Corporate Impact Report for the U.S. It reiterated its commitment to creating a carbon-free society in the report and said that it is working to increase EVs and hybrid vehicles in its global sales to form at least 40% by 2030. In the coming years, it plans electrification across the line-up. By 2050, the company wants to reduce average CO2 emissions by at least 90%, compared to 2010. The Japanese automaker sold nearly 6,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the United States by the end of 2020.

Subaru Solterra Norway launch

The first Subaru electric car has received the green signal for launch in Japan, Canada, China, and European countries as well.

Norway is not a hot market for Subarus, but it is likely to be among the first countries to get the Solterra. Norway is the world’s leading adopter of EVs, and launching new EVs in the land of the midnight sun is a top priority for automakers. It is probably the first country where Subaru has confirmed that customers will be able to place an order for their Solterra soon, as per the product page on the Subaru Norway website. Deliveries will begin in the middle of the year.

Subaru Solterra in Australia & New Zealand

While the Toyota bZ4X has received the green signal for launch in the Trans-Tasman markets, that’s not the case with the Solterra. In New Zealand, a launch is under consideration, as Subaru and the New Zealand subsidiary discuss the model’s availability. In May 2021, Wallis Dumper, Subaru New Zealand’s Managing Director, said that the NZ subsidiary is thrilled about the first Subaru EV announcement but “there is no timeline (for the NZ launch) to share.”

We are thrilled that Subaru has announced its first electric vehicle, however we are still in discussions with Subaru Corporation about availability for the New Zealand market. Future electric vehicle projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru of New Zealand and the factory.

Wallis Dumper, Managing Director, Subaru (New Zealand)

In Australia, the local subsidiary is holding talks with the factory to understand if it can get enough allocation, suggests a report from goauto.com.au. More details should emerge in the coming months.

Subaru Solterra STI Concept

The Subaru Solterra STI Concept tries to stand out with a body kit and special wheels. Image Source: Subaru

At the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon held from January 14 to 16, the Subaru booth hosted a surprise debut – the Subaru Solterra STI Concept. As the suffix indicates, this is a concept of the potential STI variant of the Subaru electric car. The Solterra STI Concept features a special light blue color, red underbody spoilers on all four sides, a body-colored vertical blade in the side air inlets, gloss black alloy wheels with red highlight, and a gloss black roof spoiler featuring the STI logo on the sides. Subaru hasn’t revealed the technical details or confirmed a Solterra STI launch yet.

Subaru Electric Car FAQs

What is the Subaru Electric Car release date?

Subaru has announced that the Solterra will go on sale in the U.S. in mid-2022.

What will be the Subaru Electric car price?

Subaru may price the Solterra from around $40,000 to compete with offerings from VW, Hyundai & Nissan.

Which electric SUVs will the Subaru Solterra compete with?

The Subaru EV will challenge the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Toyota bZ4X, VW ID.4 & Nissan Ariya.

Featured Image Source: Subaru

Keyword: Subaru Electric Car ‘Solterra’ isn’t an electrified Forester [Update]