Subaru have unveiled their new battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Solterra, which is the brand’s first all-electric vehicle (EV) to be launched globally. In developing Solterra electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), Subaru aimed to create a car that delivers a high spec for an electric car whilst offering practicality, safety and familiarity.
The Solterra will be the cornerstone of Subaru’s future electric vehicles delivered in an environmentally friendly package. It will be built in the brand’s e-Subaru Global Platform, also known as the e-TNGA electric platform. This has been jointly developed with Toyota Motor Corporation, who have 15 electric vehicles planned by 2025.
The battery packs are located under the floor and used as a part of the structure. This provides a low centre of gravity and delivers high body strength and rigidity. This low centre of gravity also helps with overall handling and stability. Subaru says that the design offers superior driving dynamics that linearly responds to the driver’s steering operations.
The Solterra will be an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle featuring a system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology that Subaru has developed over the years, the Solterra is said to offer great road traction for a safe and confident drive.
Similar to other Subaru SUV models, the Solterra features the X-MODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilising the vehicle even on rough roads, the capability is further enhanced.
When it comes to safety the Solterra is typically Subaru. By devising the skeleton shape of each part of the body and optimising the material strength, it achieves both weight reduction and superior collision safety at the same time.
In the event of a collision, the structure that transfers the load to multiple body skeletons efficiently absorbs the collision energy. It protects not only the passengers but also protects the high-voltage equipment in the car.
As yet Subaru haven’t released details of the battery size or range for the Solterra. It is expected to use a similar set-up to its Toyota bZ4X brother-in-law which features 71.4kWh battery that delivers a range of 310 miles (500km).
The Solterra will be launched by the middle of 2022 in markets that include Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.
