Subaru plans its own electric vehicle platform

Subaru is developing its own platform for electric cars and wants to rely less heavily on Toyota technology in the future. So far, the brand’s electric model lines, including the Solterra, Uncharted and E-Outback, are based on Toyota counterparts. With the new architecture, Subaru wants to gain more influence over all-wheel drive, the battery and safety systems.

For Europe, the move is part of a broader restructuring. Subaru has already confirmed the end of combustion engines for the European market at the end of 2027; after that, only electric models are to be offered there. In other markets, combustion engines and hybrid drivetrains are to remain in the lineup.

First technical details

Initial test vehicles based on an Outback are already driving in Japan. For all-wheel drive, the prototype uses a 148 kW (201 hp) electric motor on the front axle and a 227 kW (309 hp) electric machine on the rear axle. System output is around 375 kW (510 hp). That is intended to enable a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than four seconds. Compared with the Toyota platforms currently used, weight is said to fall by around 100 kilograms.

Subaru is developing the electric motors together with Aisin; they are intended to be more efficient, lighter and more compact. The battery is being developed in cooperation with Panasonic and consists of around 4,000 cylindrical cells. The cell assembly is intended to enable a weight saving of around 25 percent. The cell chemistry remains open, as does the question of whether Subaru uses a 400- or 800-volt architecture. Subaru is developing the drive control unit itself; it is intended to allow over-the-air updates. AI support is planned for the driver assistance systems. The first production models on the new platform are due to come to market in 2029.