The all-electric 2023 Subaru Solterra is a direct cousin of the Toyota bZ4X, primarily based on the Toyota e-TNGA platform (referred to as e-Subaru World Platform by Subaru). In at present’s submit, we are going to check out the Solterra specs and costs in america, to see whether or not there are any vital variations between the 2.

Not like the Toyota bZ4X, the Subaru Solterra is obtainable solely in an all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration with a 72.8-kWh battery (CATL’s lithium-ion cells). The Toyota bZ4X has additionally a front-wheel drive model (see particulars right here). Two 80-kilowatt (kW) electrical motors (one per axle) present about 160 kW of peak system output.

EPA Vary

Simply as initially introduced, the EPA Mixed vary of the Subaru Solterra is about 222-228 miles on a single cost, relying on the wheel measurement:

• Subaru Solterra Premium AWD 18-inch: 228 miles (367 km)
• Subaru Solterra Restricted/Touring AWD 20-inch: 222 miles (357 km)
  [6 miles or 2.6% less than with 18-inch wheels]

The vary values are precisely the identical as within the case of the Toyota bZ4X (AWD). And this can be a bit problematic as a result of, within the case of the Subaru model, clients would possibly count on one thing extra premium and a better vary, typically, for his or her adventures once in a while.

Vitality consumption, together with charging losses, is estimated at 104 MPGe: 324 watt-hours per mile (201 Wh/km) or a bit much less with the larger wheels.

There are not any EPA Freeway vary scores in EPA’s knowledge however we are able to estimate from the power consumption (it isn’t the precisely right method, as a result of factored charging losses) that the automotive ought to be capable of cowl over 200 miles on the freeway.

Charging

The largest flaw of the Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X’s 72.8-kWh battery system is that it could possibly settle for solely 100 kW of DC quick charging energy. The charging efficiency is so-so and, in impact, charging to as much as 80 % of state-of-charge takes almost an hour (56 minutes), in accordance with the specs.

By way of AC charging, there’s a 6.6 kW onboard charger, which ought to full the 0-One hundred pc recharge in about 11 hours.

Costs

Lastly, pricing. The 2023 Subaru Solterra begins at an MSRP of $44,995 (plus a $1,225 vacation spot cost) for a complete of $46,220. The higher-equipped Restricted and Touring trims price a number of grand extra.

The automotive isn’t eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit score when buying, as a result of it is imported (however as in different circumstances, the motivation is likely to be used to decrease the lease cost).

Total, the costs of the Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X (AWD variations) are very comparable, and the premium for Subaru is simply a number of hundred {dollars}.

It appears to us that the selection might be solely associated to the model’s loyalty and perhaps the comfort of Subaru/Toyota sellers within the space.

The overall consensus is that the Solterra is simply the start line for Subaru (just like the bZ4X for Toyota). Each Japanese manufacturers teamed as much as carry their first international BEV available on the market and restrict growth prices on the identical time.

Nobody expects any vital splash proper now. It is step one. Hopefully, within the subsequent iterations, the automotive will get a extra energy-dense battery for extra vary, in addition to sooner DC charging. Native manufacturing to safe entry to the $7,500 federal tax credit score can be welcomed too.