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With the EV battle heating up and Subaru Corporation's announcement to build a dedicated EV plant by 2027, is it time for Subaru to bring back the Baja pickup in an all-electric platform? What about a new Solterra-based all-electric compact pickup? We recently showed a Brattera EV compact pickup pictured below, but it may be too small for customers.
Check out a new rendering of an all-new Subaru Solterra Baja EV pickup from our friend Mike Nichoson who designed the new pickup below. We think an all-electric pickup is what Subaru Corporation needs to build for Subaru of America.
photo credit: Mike Nichoson
The small pickup segment is growing in the U.S., and many are available now or will hit the market soon. Subaru was way ahead of the curve with the Baja pickup, but now they are lagging. It's time to resurrect the Baja and use the Solterra platform.
The compact pickup segment is heating up
The all-new Ford Maverick just introduced is already a success; the compact pickup is already sold out for months, and Ford hasn't even started selling the base XL model ($19,995) yet. The Maverick will also come in a hybrid powertrain and should get around 40 mpg in city driving.
photo credit: Subaru Braterra pickup - Mike Nichoson
New EV pickups are on the way
The Rivian R1T is the first purpose-built electric pickup to hit the market, months ahead of the Ford F-150 Lightning. Automotive News reports that Ford is increasing production as it scrambles to meet consumer demand for the new electric truck. The upcoming full-size Chevrolet Silverado EV and Tesla Cybertruck are coming soon.
About the same size as the Ford Maverick, the all-new gas-powered Hyundai Santa Cruz offers another compact pickup in the U.S. that the South Korean automaker will likely convert to an electric model in the near future.
Subaru will be left out of the hot pickup segment if the automaker doesn't act soon, but Subaru Corporation is stepping up its EV plans. Subaru CEO Tomomi Nakamura announced last week that they will add a dedicated in-house EV assembly plant in Japan by 2027. A report from Automotive News (by subscription) says Subaru Corporation will make a multibillion-dollar investment in electrification over the next five years. Check out the complete information here.
Subaru will manufacture new all-electric all-wheel-drive vehicles for U.S. customers and other global markets. Nakamura said they are still contemplating what kind of segment or models the upcoming EVs will be and did not offer a production capacity figure for the new EV production facility. He said they would start small with room to expand over time, the AN report said.
We want to lobby Subaru to build a new Solterra Baja EV pickup for U.S. customers. Would you buy a new 2024 Subaru Solterra all-electric compact pickup if the automaker offered one next year? Let Subaru know what you think in the comments below.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Mike Nichoson
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Comments
The long bed variant Braterra
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The long bed variant Braterra could be of interest for Europe. A small lightweight pickup where you can transport small items like fence posts and similar would be great for the small farmer.
Electric Baja ... Sign me up
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Electric Baja ... Sign me up
The sooner the better. Learn
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The sooner the better. Learn the lessons of their failures in the compact truck segment and make this one the one you can use
Would only buy if it had gas
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Would only buy if it had gas engine. Not interested in electric
Subaru should have had a
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Subaru should have had a "Baja" type vehicle for years based on the Forester. They could have beaten everyone to the punch.
Hybrid would be way to go at
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Hybrid would be way to go at least in north east
Full electric is horrible in cold winter months
Once everyone is honest about that we can truly move forward
Wilderness model would be icing on the cake
I do not like electric
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I do not like electric vehicles they are a waste of money and cost more to charge
Looks sweet! Could see
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Looks sweet! Could see myself trading in my Crosstrek for a Soltaja.
I've been waiting for them to
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I've been waiting for them to bring back the Baja for 16 years! Yes, give me an electric Baja. In fact I'll take 2, thanks!
Subaru should release an EV
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Subaru should release an EV and Hybrid simultaneously to capture/keep the EV-hesitant in the Subaru Family. JV with Honda to reintroduce EV & Hybrid Elements would be a huge re-energized market-maker!
I will only buy and EV next.
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I will only buy and EV next. It’s either going tackle from Subaru or someone else. Jump on the EV market and build us a Baja EV.
This is good news for all of
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This is good news for all of us Japanese car lovers. The time to continue expanding japanese reliability and resale value is now.
This is good news for all of
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This is good news for all of us Japanese car lovers. The time to continue expanding japanese reliability and resale value is now.
Definitely all electric or
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Definitely all electric or hybrid. I'm all in for a Baja. I am counting the days until I can see one in person! Baja-Solterra renderings look amazing!
I would love Subaru to make a
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I would love Subaru to make a micro EV truck. It covers all of my hit lists.
Subaru- my new favorite brand after buying my Crosstrek
EV- it’s time for us all to stop being so dependent on an antiquated technology such as gas engines.
Small truck- I don’t need or want a big truck, I only need a truck some of the time but when I do I have it. Please make this a reality.
I'm in the catskills... can't
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I'm in the catskills... can't do full Alec, but if you'll split it with gas I'm in. Fell in love with an old Baja sitting outside of shoprite... admired for yrs. Please!!
Sign me up for the EV Baha.
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Sign me up for the EV Baha. My 2011 Legacy has 185000, it can keep going waiting for the EV or even hybrid Baha, or do I dare ask for the Brat?
Love the Rendition! YES I'd
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Love the Rendition! YES I'd buy one if it had Fast Charging, Approx 300 Mile Range, Good ground clearance and Suburu Reliability.
Absolutely! I would be
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Absolutely! I would be willing to put a deposit forward to be able to secure one.
I have a 2006 Baja and used
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I have a 2006 Baja and used to have a 2003. I would absolutely purchase an EV version. Bajas are the most dynamic vehicle.
I loved my 2006 last year
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I loved my 2006 last year made Baja, due to its age I sold it in 2018. I want a green utility vehicle, but I’m a 68 yr old gardener and don’t want a giant. The Solterra Baja sounds amazing. Please advise as soon as it can be ordered!!
Build an electric small truck
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Build an electric small truck with serious off road capability, air shocks and put a small bed that can extend to handle
at least 900lbs. Then text me to let me know it's ready to order.
Can hardly wait for a…
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Can hardly wait for a compact Subaru truck !
I put a reservation on the Cyber truck but I rather Trade in my Forester for a Bratterra...
Keep me posted
Please and Thank You
Manny R Medina