A Subaru that can travel 228 miles in electric only?
Built on the Toyota e-TNGA architecture (referred to by Subaru as the e-Subaru Global Platform), the Toyota bZ4X and the completely electric 2023 Subaru Solterra are close relatives. In this article, we’ll examine the Solterra’s specifications and costs in the US to determine if there are any notable variations between the two.
The Subaru Solterra is only available with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 72.8-kWh battery pack (CATL’s lithium-ion cells), in contrast to the Toyota bZ4X. There is a front-wheel drive version of the Toyota bZ4X as well. The maximum system power is roughly 160 kW and is provided by two 80 kW electric motors, one for each axle.
EPA Range
The Subaru Solterra’s EPA combined range, which varies by wheel size, is around 222-228 miles on just a single charge:
• 18-inch Subaru Solterra Premium AWD: 228 miles (367 km).
• 20-inch Subaru Solterra Limited/Touring AWD: 222 miles (357 km).
[6 miles, or a 2.6% reduction from 18-inch wheels]
The range values are identical to those of the Toyota bZ4X (AWD) in every way. And this is somewhat problematic because customers of the Subaru brand could occasionally want something more upscale and a higher range for their trips.
With charging losses taken into account, energy usage is projected to be 104 MPGe, or 324 watt-hours per mile (201 Wh/km), or a little less with the larger wheels.
albeit there aren’t any EPA Highway range ratings in the EPA’s data, we can infer from the energy usage that the vehicle should be able to travel more than 200 miles on the highway (albeit this estimation is not accurate owing to the considered charging losses).
Charging
The 72.8 kWh battery pack in the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X has a major fault in that it can only handle 100 kW of DC rapid charging power. According to the specifications, the charging efficiency is mediocre and it takes almost one hour (56 minutes) to charge a device up to 80% of its capacity.
There includes a 6.6 kW onboard charger for AC charging, which should finish the 0-100 % recharge in around 11 hours.
Prices
Lastly, price. The starting MSRP for the 2023 Subaru Solterra is $44,995, plus a $1,225 shipping fee, for a total of $46,220. The more expensive Limited and Touring models come with more features.
Because it is an import, the automobile is not qualified for the federal tax credit of $7,500 when purchased (however, as in other situations, the incentive may be used to reduce the lease price).
The Subaru Solterra costs only a few hundred dollars more than the Toyota bZ4X (AWD models), with prices overall being extremely close.
We suspect that consumers’ decisions will be entirely influenced by their brand loyalty and perhaps the local Subaru or Toyota dealers’ convenience.
According to widespread opinion, the Solterra is merely Subaru’s entry point, much like the bZ4X was for Toyota. In order to launch their first worldwide BEV and simultaneously keep development costs to a minimum, both Japanese automakers joined together.
Right now, no one anticipates a big splash. It’s the initial action. Hopefully, the vehicle’s battery will get more energy-dense in subsequent versions to increase range and enable faster DC charging. Also desired would be local production to qualify for the $7,500 tax credit.
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