Subaru is stepping on the accelerator pedal in terms of electrification, with the Japanese automaker saying plans to construct 400,000 EVs a yr from 2028 by including a second EV line in Japan to assist the launch of 4 all-electric crossovers by the top of 2026.

Very like different Japanese automakers together with Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi, Subaru is late to the EV celebration and now appears decided to make up for misplaced time. 

Subaru at present provides a single all-electric mannequin, the Solterra SUV twinned with Toyota’s bZ4X, however the 4 upcoming crossovers will drastically increase its EV lineup. The crossovers are anticipated to be supplied within the US, incoming CEO Atsushi Osaki stated right now as Subaru introduced that working revenue almost tripled within the fiscal yr that ended March 31.

As a part of its accelerated electrification plans, Subaru stated it would add a devoted EV meeting line at its Oizumi plant in Japan as early as 2027, with capability for 200,000 automobiles a yr. That can be along with a line on the close by Yajima plant that can even have capability for 200,000 EVs a yr from round 2026.

Mixed, the 2 traces will allow output of 400,000 EVs a yr from 2028.

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Osaki additionally stated Subaru plans to construct EVs first in Japan, regardless of the actual fact the US market makes up roughly 70 p.c of the corporate’s international gross sales. That is an fascinating resolution contemplating that imported EVs is not going to be eligible for US tax credit, though leased automobiles could also be eligible for some incentives.

Outgoing Subaru boss Nakamura stated he’s assured that Subaru’s loyal buyer base within the US wouldn’t be deterred by a scarcity of incentives for its EVs.

“I ponder if American shoppers select their vehicles solely based mostly on tax breaks. Our U.S. prospects are high quality prospects. Now we have a better ratio of consumers shopping for Subarus with money, and we even have low mortgage and lease charges. We additionally preserve our incentives at low ranges. We are going to strive to not rely solely on the subsidy program.”

The automaker targets annual international gross sales of 200,000 EVs from 2026, and stated it would supply batteries for the brand new automobiles by means of its alliance with accomplice Toyota.

Subaru stated final yr that it might get 40 p.c of its international gross sales from electrified automobiles – battery electrics and hybrids – by the top of the last decade and apply electrification to all fashions within the early 2030s.