Subaru Spells Out its Seven-Year Electric Vehicle Strategy

Just as the first batch of Solterra EVs enters the Ewing Subaru of Plano inventory, Subaru has announced its vehicle electrification goals for the upcoming years.  In the relatively long term, Subaru’s goal is to reduce its vehicle emissions from new vehicles by at least 90 percent by 2050. This will involve a flexible system of production to ensure smooth manufacturing of both internal combustion engines (ICEs), hybrids, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across several model lines as they gradually transition from the former to the latter.

This will include full in-house production of BEVs though Subaru did not divulge specific models. They are planned for both the Yajima and Oizuma plants, the preparation for which is planned for 2025. With these plant conversions in operation, Subaru’s goal is to have at least 40% of its global sales be hybrid electric models or BEVs by 2030.

Engine Changes Coming

In the near term, there are internal combustion engine changes expected for much of the model line. Currently, the Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, and Outback all use the 2.5-liter boxer 4-cylinder as their primary engine. As these models are redesigned fully or partially, they will transition to a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that should be more fuel efficient and provide higher torque at a lower rpm. Of this engine, Subaru says: “…its lean combustion technology produces more energy with less fuel. Combined with the expanded Lineartronic (CVT automatic transmission) shift range, this engine offers even more powerful acceleration off the line and superb fuel efficiency when cruising at high speed.”

The 1.8L Turbo will be designed to integrate with Toyota’s hybrid system, which implies that there could be hybrid versions of the Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, and Outback in the next few years. Of those, the Forester is next up for what would be its 6th generation design, which is predicted in 2024 as a 2025 model. 

Subaru Will Stay Subaru

Whether it is the industry-leading resale value, exemplary safety, paying close attention to customer feedback, the Subaru Love Promise, or those really great dog commercials, Subaru has a very loyal customer base, so one can expect all of the electrified vehicles to still come standard with all-wheel drive practical utility, and innovative lifestyle accessories that Subaru customers have come to love. Currently, the model lineup is the best it has ever been, so come to Ewing Subaru of Plano and take a look.