Subaru is set to introduce its first electric vehicle (EV) to the Australian market with the Solterra confirmed for a 2023 arrival.

The Solterra – which shares its technology underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X and the jointly developed dedicated EV platform called, in this case, the e-Subaru Global Platform – will be available with a single motor or dual electric motor set-up. A 71.4kWh battery pack will offer a claimed cruising range of around 460km. Fast DC charging of up to 150kW is available, as is 6.6kW via an AC charger set-up.

Keeping true to Subaru’s reputation for delivering all-wheel-drive (AWD) tech, the Solterra will be available with AWD in the dual motor variant which will see an 80kW motor located both front and rear. It will feature the X-Mode AWD control system, and a Grip Control function, for work on rough roads.

The design of the Solterra is nice and neat and the SUV will sit on 18-inch wheels for the 2WD and be available with either 18-inch or 20-inch wheels on the AWD. The interior, as one would expect, is tidy too, with a digital gauge display in front of the driver and a wide, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display at the top of the ‘floating’ centre console.

Driver assistance and safety tech includes hill and descent assist, 360-degree surround-view camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and much more.

“We are excited to confirm Subaru Australia will continue its electrification journey with the introduction of our first battery electric vehicle, the Solterra, in 2023,” said Blair Read, Managing Director Subaru Australia.

“Solterra starts a new era for Subaru by combining electric vehicle technology with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. This delivers the all-terrain capability Subaru owners have enjoyed for decades.”

While it is not yet confirmed whether both AWD and 2WD versions will be available in Australia, and the exact specs and prices are also yet to be confirmed, the fact the Solterra is on its way is another tick for Australians keen to get into the EV market and have a wider range of brands and models from which to choose.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2022) 

17 June 2022