Subaru Solterra Electric SUV to Arrive in 2022
What’s in a name? According to Subaru, the answer is a commitment to environmental responsibility and its first all-electric SUV, dubbed Solterra. The newly christened Solterra is a compact SUV developed in partnership with Toyota. In addition to the moniker, Subaru has revealed teaser photos along with scant details of the EV, which is set to arrive in 2022.
Related: Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X Concept Launches ‘Beyond Zero’ Brand
The Toyota Connection
The new Solterra shares the automaker’s global electric platform and several design elements with the Toyota bZ4X Concept, but unlike Toyota, Subaru takes a more conventional approach to naming its battery-powered SUV. A marriage of the Latin words “sol” (meaning sun) and “terra” (meaning earth) gives a nod to the upcoming EV’s earth-friendly intent.
AWD Capability
The Solterra also marries Toyota’s electrification technology with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive capability. Although Subaru is staying mum on the Solterra’s powertrain and performance specs prior to the official reveal, we do know the vehicle will be equipped with the automaker’s standard AWD found across its SUV lineup.
Bringing Electric SUVs to the Masses
Luxury automakers may have gotten a head start on all-electric SUVs (think Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and Volvo XC40 Recharge), but the field is about to get much more crowded. Players like Nissan, Toyota and Subaru are all throwing their hats into the ring to give future SUV shoppers more electrified options.
The Solterra will join Subaru’s lineup that includes the Crosstrek, Crosstrek Hybrid, Outback, Forester and Ascent. It appears to be comparable in size to the Forester and will go up against eco-friendly rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4. and Tesla Model Y.
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