Subaru has confirmed that it will be bringing a battery electric vehicle to the European market in the next few years. The brand, which hasn't exactly rushed to embrace electrified power, will be using Toyota's next generation EV platform – cementing its place in the market for the foreseeable future.
Subaru is developing the SUV with the aim of bringing it to Europe in 'the first half of the 2020s'. Similar in size to the current Subaru Forester, some sources in Japan have suggested it will be named ‘Evoltis’ and will take on design cues from a concept vehicle all the way back in January.
It's expected that the big reveal will take place in early 2021.
To that end, it's likely to be a big departure from the Subarus we've come to know. Angular, wide with a low roofline and wheels pushed to the extremities of each corner, it's most definitely a stand-out design, albeit one which is a clear evolution of the current design language. We'd possibly go as far to say it's a bit fussy, but as with any concept car, the chances are that the final design will be watered down a bit.
The basis for the new Subaru EV is the e-TNGA platform which is being developed jointly with fellow Japanese brand, Toyota. Modular and scalable, e-TNGA will underpin a series of new electric vehicles from both Toyota and Subaru into the late 2020s, covering everything from the compact C segment through to the large E segment.
Officially there is no word on the amount of power the SUV will get, though sources in Japan have suggested that the car might be running the kinds of figures that will look familiar to a Subaru fan of old. All-wheel-drive and 280bhp are reminiscent of an Impreza WRX, whilst a mooted 300 mile range is actually further than most drivers could hope for in a classic petrol-powered Scooby.
However, Subaru is still keen to rid itself of the rallying reputation that precedes it and states that the news “underlines Subaru's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint in Europe and satisfy a growing demand for alternative powertrains”.
Given the brand's comparatively high fleet emissions, its future in Europe really does depend on bringing an EV to market. The so-called Evoltis will be that car.
Related Articles...
