Reports say a new Subaru all-electric crossover will be launched in 5 years. Will it be a Forester or Outback?
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When Subaru announced their new Global Platform coming on the 2017 Impreza compact, they also said the new platform will support, gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric drivetrains. According to Japan’s Nikkan newspaper, Subaru could have an all-electric crossover by the year 2021. The Japanese automaker already sells the Crosstrek Hybrid in the U.S., and just launched a new XV STI Hybrid in Japan.
New plug-in hybrid is coming next
The Subaru XV Concept was unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, and while Subaru didn’t reveal drivetrain specs, they did with the VIZIV Concept revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show. It featured a down-sized 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, combined with a hybrid system.
Subaru is already in the process of overhauling its powertrain technology and will also add cylinder deactivation and lean combustion cycles by 2020, to meet more stringent emissions standards. Subaru said they want engines “with thermal efficiency rates above 40 percent, which would top that of the engine in the Toyota Prius hybrid.” Subaru has access to Toyota’s hybrid technology now. An all-electric Subaru could be in the works next.
Forester or Outback?
If the reports are accurate, Subaru plans to launch the electric all-wheel-drive crossover in the U.S. by 2021 to further meet the more stringent emissions regulations. It will likely be an existing model in the lineup and not an all-new vehicle. Japan’s Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reported Aug. 8, the crossover would be based on the Forester SUV or the Outback wagon. The Japanese newspaper did not identify the source of the information.
Subaru has already revealed they will introduce their first plug-in hybrid to meet U.S. zero emissions vehicle regulations that take effect in 2018. This will likely be a new-generation Crosstrek crossover which is the next Subaru model due for a remodel after the 2017 Impreza launch. Is an all-electric Subaru Forester or Outback coming next? Stay tuned.
Source: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Automotive News
Image source: Subaru
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