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Subaru and Toyota are collaborating on a new all-electric SUV. It will feature Toyota's battery technology, and recent reports from Car and Driver say it could use a solid-state battery pack and potentially be an EV game-changer. Solid-state batteries charge quicker and offer more range in the same size pack as traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Subaru has said the new EV SUV would share Toyota technology, but it will be "distinctly Subaru." The automaker has not given details yet, but it means it will incorporate Subaru's core values. Those values include safety, fun-to-drive, all-weather capable, off-pavement ready, and a low center-of-gravity.
Photo credit: motor.es
Subaru is always going to build additional safety into every model, including its first-ever all-electric SUV. Even though it rides on Toyota's e-TNGA modular platform, the 2022 Subaru EV will have top safety scores from the IIHS.
The new EV will be fun-to-drive and will have a low center-of-gravity. Like the new 2022 BRZ sports coupe also developed with Toyota, the new EV SUV will be about Forester's size and maneuverable in city commuting. Subaru will likely use a Continuously Variable Automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters for more driver engagement.
The new Subaru EV will have all-wheel-drive as standard on one trim level, and a front-drive model will also be available for urban commuters. Subaru's primary market will be in California, where there are mountains and warm weather. Some customers will want the off-pavement trim for off-road pursuits, and some will prefer front-drive for city commuting.
The new 2022 Subaru all-electric will also have additional features beyond all-wheel-drive. The new vehicle will come with the ability to get away from civilization and feature extra ground clearance. It should come with dual-function X-Mode with deep snow and mud settings, having a low center of gravity for improved performance while navigating steep trails, and a rugged exterior appearance like the rendering above from Design AG.
Unlike the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, the Subaru all-electric will be distinctly Subaru and incorporate its core values. You will also distinguish the model and know it's a Subaru with its rugged "go-anywhere" appearance. The first-ever Subaru all-electric EV should arrive in the summer of 2022. Stay tuned.
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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: Subaru, Design AG, motor.es
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Comments
Looks RAV4-ish. A CVT in an
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Looks RAV4-ish. A CVT in an EV sounds novel. Not sure what is up with that. Could be a great SUV. I'll be looking forward to its introduction.
"could use a solid-state
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"could use a solid-state battery pack" "Could" is the operative word here and it probably won't as the general consensus is that we are 3-5 years from SS battery adoption.
As for a CVT, nope. EVs (with the exception of the Porsche Taycan) all single speed drive vehicles. They MAY have a dual speed transmission but it is highly unlikely that they would invest in a unique transmission after writing huge checks to Toyota for the rest of the car.
This is horrible. Make a plug
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This is horrible. Make a plug in Forester, any Forester hybrid but with plug in funktion and bigger battery. Xv is a great car but small, and no vent for back passengers. Funktion heating and ventilation is necessary for All Subaru, cause we are activ people, fishing and hanting- we need comfort ventilation on back seats.
"Forester Prime"
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In reply to This is horrible. Make a plug by Gury Popov (not verified)
"Forester Prime"
A CVT in an EV? That doesn't
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A CVT in an EV? That doesn't make sense. One advantage in an EV is a shiftless feel with a smooth driving experience. Are you sure that's verified?
I can absolutely guarantee it
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In reply to A CVT in an EV? That doesn't by GargantulaKon (not verified)
I can absolutely guarantee it WILL NOT have a CVT..........One of the great beauties of electric is NO transmission is required............The Author is displaying His automotive ignorance........Paul
Article states Subie's EV
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Article states Subie's EV will have a CVT transmission.......This REALLY shows Your total ignorance about EV's..............Electric Cars do NOT have or NEED transmissions............This fact is only one of MANY advantages of electric cars......Wake up......Get an education...Or just SHUT UP............I love to reads, Which sometimes means frustration having to read ignorant writings.......Paul
Can I go over 600 miles per
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Can I go over 600 miles per charge? Will it charge completely in 10 min? If not...then I will pass
You should pass then. It won
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In reply to Can I go over 600 miles per by Laurel Kesling (not verified)
You should pass then. It won't completely recharge in 10 mins...more likely 60 percent charge in 15 min and max range of 300-400 miles.
You may be passing for quite
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In reply to Can I go over 600 miles per by Laurel Kesling (not verified)
You may be passing for quite awhile. The longest range on the market is about 370 miles, and full charging times are much longer than 10 minutes. Not saying it’s not possible, but we’ll need some big advances in technology to reach you requirements.
Proud Owner of Subaru
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Proud Owner of Subaru automobiles since 1985.
MASTRO Subaru Tampa, Florida "best" Dealership.
Looks like a CrossFinder but
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Looks like a CrossFinder but nothing will matter if the range is < 200 miles.
What Subaru needs to do is have the Pathfinder become a hybrid like the Toyota Highlander is but making in plug-in "able" to qualify at PHEV.
I will be patient for a car
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I will be patient for a car that has solid state batteries
How do I get on the waiting
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How do I get on the waiting list? This will be my third Forester.
We’ve had four Subarus in the
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We’ve had four Subarus in the family, but I think I’m gonna pass until they build an EV based on the Forester or Outback - AND without a CVT. What are they thinking??
Plus while I know a lot of people will love the Toyota Transformer Toy styling cues, I need a vehicle that’s more utility and less sport. Oh well.
Subaru, this car is ugly. A
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Subaru, this car is ugly. A big reason Tesla cars sell so well is the clean rounded looks it features and minimal hard lines. There’s a simplicity to a single speed transmission and power system. Bring back the wrx wagon, make it an electric, and talk to apple and let them streamline production.
I have a crosstrek PHEV. I
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I have a crosstrek PHEV. I can pull my work trailer, and really drive in snow, but I wish it went farther on electric. t am averaging 60 mp e and gas combined..
Yes the newer subaru's are ugly. It is sad the company left behind function to chase :style". And the push seems to be for their biggest thirstiest vehicle- the accent.
When I get my fully electric suv it will likely be another make.
Subaru should design without
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Subaru should design without the black plastic wheel guards on the EV and have it be part of the metal body. Not only does it look ugly but the black plastic trim gets molted and gray over time in strong uv sunlight. Keep the plastic to a minimum, otherwise, looks cheap.
I'm in if it's not too wide.
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I'm in if it's not too wide. Hard to find a 'range' number. I need good range, ground clearence and a single garage door.. It might meet all the criteria.
If the battery ain't made in
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If the battery ain't made in China (or affiliates), I want one.
I hope an all electric Subaru
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I hope an all electric Subaru Crosstrek is in future planning...the Forrester is too large for me. I've owned 2 Crosstreks and the size is just right.
Want to move up from 2015
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Want to move up from 2015 legacy to awd suv electric Subaru — ready to buy - when available?
I still can't understand why
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I still can't understand why car manufacturers think an electric car has to look funky and futuristic. The only normal looking electric car out there is the Tesla. Why can't Subaru take an exiting car, such as the Legacy (or any other model) as it looks today in 2021 and add a 100% electric engine to it? I don't get it. It's like a big conspiracy to keep the electric car from having success even if it means losing hundreds of millions of dollars on the entire design and production process. Same with BMW. Take an existing popular 3 series sedan and throw an electric engine in it. If the MSRP has to be an additional 10k than a gas powered 3 series, so be it. I'll buy one!
With Subaru's odd-ball
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With Subaru's odd-ball engineering I can see them designing 4 electric toothbrush motors to drive each horizontally opposed piston and output that to a CVT with regenerative feed back engine braking and fake limited slip VDC sold as AWD.
It will still manage to burn and leak oil and coolant and Subaru will argue its normal.