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The Solterra is now Subaru's hot model.
I didn't think I'd ever say this, but the Subaru Solterra is a hot model for Subaru of America. The Solterra EV has been languishing in mediocre sales since the start of the year, but things changed this spring.
Solterra is now on a hot streak with four months of record sales. What happened? Before I explain why, here are the EV's July sales performance numbers.
It was the best July ever for Solterra.
Subaru of America (SOA) reported delivering 1,261 Solterra EVs to customers in July, compared with only 758 in July 2023. That's an impressive 66.4 percent increase over the same period last year. But there's more.
SOA sold 6,646 Solterra EVs through the first seven months of 2024, compared with 3,730 models delivered to customers through July 2023. That's a 78.2 percent increase, the highest percentage of sales increase on any nameplate in the lineup.
Here are Solterra's sales performance numbers for the year's first quarter.
- January - 379
- February -322
- March -446
The Subaru Solterra has experienced a significant surge in sales volume, which has continued into the summer months.
- April - 1,456
- May - 1,546
- June - 1,236
- July - 1,261
Something happened in April.
The 2024 Subaru Solterra stands out as the top performer in terms of the percentage of sales increase, mainly due to the manufacturer sales incentives and special financing rates.
Starting in April, Subaru of America began offering discounts to move the 2023 model-year EV off U.S. retailers' lots to make way for the 2024 models, and it worked.
It worked so well that Subaru of America kept up the incentives with the new 2024 models that arrived in late spring.
Customers can get the 2024 Solterra for 0% APR financing for 72 months. The offer is good now through September 3, 2024. You can lease a 2024 Solterra for $329 monthly for 36 months. $329 is due at signing, plus taxes and license.
Subaru also held the new 2024 Solterra pricing steady with no price increase. The only increase was an additional $120 in the destination and delivery fees.
For EV buyers, here is the 2024 Solterra pricing.
The 2024 Solterra has three trim levels: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Pricing for the Solterra Premium trim level starts at $46,340. The Limited trim carries a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49,840. The top-of-the-line Touring trim is priced at $53,340. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345).
Solterra gets new upgrades.
The 2024 Solterra has new improvements, enhancing its performance and user experience. These upgrades are designed to make your driving and charging experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Subaru gives the 2024 Solterra faster charging performance, a significant improvement. Solterra now has a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that charges from 10 percent to 80 percent as quickly as 35 minutes, with a state of charge indicator displaying the estimated time to 80 percent or 100 percent.
Subaru says, "Thanks to an upgraded battery conditioning system, the 2024 Solterra can charge at temperatures below freezing significantly faster than its predecessor, up to 80 minutes faster in certain conditions. With thousands of accessible public charging stations and D.C. fast charging, charging the Solterra away from home is now quicker and easier. At home, the Solterra offers affordable Level 1 or Level 2 charging compatibility."
Subaru's ongoing commitment to safety.
The 2024 Solterra debuts with advanced driver-assistance features, including an improved EyeSight safety technology.
New for 2024, Subaru says the Solterra can travel in its lane at speeds up to 25 mph with only driver supervision, including stop-and-go traffic. With the improved safety tech, Solterra can also change lanes on command by activating a turn signal, and the addition of Front Cross Traffic Alert makes pulling into an intersection safer by alerting the driver of potential collisions.
Subaru engineers redesigned Solterra's steering wheel with regenerative braking force paddle switches. Subaru says it improves charging performance thanks to more efficient battery conditioning.
Solterra shoppers have a new online tool.
The newly upgraded 2024 Subaru Solterra is now available for battery-electric SUV shoppers. Before visiting a Subaru retailer, customers can use the new online configurator to see which trim is best for them.
Which of the three new trim levels is the best for you?
The recently launched 2024 Solterra EV configurator tool allows users to check the different trim levels with standard features, color selection, and images for each model. Read my report here for more information on the Solterra.
If you are still deciding whether to buy a new electric vehicle, new Subaru EV and hybrid models will be available in the next few years. You may want to wait until they launch in North America. Get more information in my report here.
Will you be buying a new electric vehicle anytime soon? Or will you be more apt to stick with a gas or hybrid model? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 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 my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Tucson Subaru
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