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Life With The Subaru Solterra After 35,000 Miles, Owner Says It May Not Fit Your Lifestyle

What is the Subaru Solterra EV like after 35,000 miles? This report provides insights into Subaru's first electric vehicle. 
2024 Subaru Solterra EV

Should you buy a new Subaru Solterra electric SUV? Check out Subaru's new battery-electric vehicle after being driven 35,000 miles. The report comes from the UK. Here is one of Subaru UK's customers who gave his analysis after enough time to provide a good evaluation. 

Since launching its first all-electric vehicle, Subaru UK says the public has been excited and apprehensive about the EV lifestyle. To help demonstrate what day-to-day life is like living with a Subaru Solterra, they reached out to one of their all-electric customers, who has driven over 35,000 miles within the past year.

After asking him a few questions, they better understood why the Solterra suits his lifestyle so well. But from what I've observed, the Solterra may not fit yours. 

Here are excerpts from that interview. 

What do you usually use your Solterra for on a day-to-day basis?

I would say I have a busy lifestyle. My standard workday includes visiting farming clients' properties and helping to run the local Scouts group in the summer, which is packed with activities. Both busy positions require me to drive across uneven terrain and off-road routes, which Solterra has tackled brilliantly.

How does the Solterra compare to the previous Subaru's that you have had?

I previously owned an Outback, and I have found that many of the features in the Solterra are the same as in the Outback; I feel that this will bring comfort to other Subaru customers who are already familiar with the Outback, and they can appreciate any new enhancements in the Solterra.

Did you find the move to an all-electric vehicle difficult?

Before purchasing the Solterra, I owned another electric vehicle that was used as a second family car for a few years. So, I was very aware of the driving experience that an all-electric vehicle brings. But after purchasing the Solterra as our primary vehicle, we, as a family, are now a fully electric converted household!

Do you find it challenging to use public charging stations?

There have been no issues with using public charging stations, and I find that they've been distributed a lot more across the country in recent years. I never need to spend a lot of time public charging, and with the UK still adapting to all-electric vehicles, I can only see it getting better from here.

The only time we struggled was on the way back from a family holiday when there were long queues for the charging stations. It wasn't ideal, but we managed.

How long does a full battery last you before charging again?

Maintaining a full battery in an electric vehicle can depend on the time of year and the roughness of the roads, as both factors can affect the range. I'd say that during the summer, the battery can cover its usual expected mileage. 

Cold Temperatures Affect Battery Life

However, the colder temperatures impact the battery's performance in the winter, resulting in less mileage than usual. This is the same for any electric vehicle, so it is not unique to Subaru. 

Have you had any issues with owning an electric vehicle?

I've had no issues adapting to the electric vehicle lifestyle and have only experienced one fault with the Solterra, which my local Subaru dealer dealt with promptly under the vehicle warranty. 

Will you purchase electric vehicles in the future, or will you return to gas-powered cars?

I am now 100% converted to the all-electric lifestyle. Charging at home overnight is a huge advantage, as it saves a considerable amount of money and time in the long run compared to the higher fuel cost.

Would you recommend going all-electric to family and friends?

If the person can charge their vehicle at home or access cost-effective overnight charging, yes! However, it may not suit someone who has a long daily commute. Despite this, I have personally driven 35,000 miles in my Subaru Solterra within the past year, and it has now become our primary family car, not to mention the adventures I had with the Scouts!

MY TAKE

Subaru needs to have value-priced electric SUVs so more customers can purchase an electric vehicle. The Solterra is too expensive for first-time battery-electric customers. They need to wade in and test the waters before diving in head first and spend $50,000 plus for the Solterra. 

The Solterra needs to have a more extended range. From what I've seen, this is an issue. 

Subaru will introduce more new hybrid and electric vehicles by 2028, some of which will be hybrids and some battery-electric models. Check my recent report here. 

IT’S YOUR TURN

What about you? Will you wait for the Subaru electric models coming in the next three years? Or buy a new 2024 Solterra now? Click on the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the Subaru Solterra story. See you tomorrow for my latest report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News and Subaru reporter since 2012. I've invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - Check back daily for my expert analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru

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Comments

Christine Gardner (not verified)    April 29, 2024 - 10:20AM

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I will wait. Living in rural NY, I might consider a Forester Hybrid to replace my 2016 Forester.

Find your reporting very informative. Thank you

Bill Alliston (not verified)    April 30, 2024 - 9:38AM

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RE: "during the summer, the battery can cover its usual expected mileage," that doesn't answer the question. Give us a number related to the average range. My Solterra started with a 300 mile range but now struggles to stay above 200. Can only do short trips. Traveling around Michigan limits my driving to 100 miles out, and 100 miles return. Any further driving requires (multiple) charging stops. Who wants to wait a couple hours for that? Or if there's a space to charge? Or if the charger isn't broken? Range is everything.

Bill Alliston (not verified)    April 30, 2024 - 9:39AM

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RE: "during the summer, the battery can cover its usual expected mileage," that doesn't answer the question. Give us a number related to the average range. My Solterra started with a 300 mile range but now struggles to stay above 200. Can only do short trips. Traveling around Michigan limits my driving to 100 miles out, and 100 miles return. Any further driving requires (multiple) charging stops. Who wants to wait a couple hours for that? Or if there's a space to charge? Or if the charger isn't broken? Range is everything.