Mid-2030s target for Subaru in EV pledge

Subaru as set a target to sell only electric vehicles worldwide by the first half of the 2030s, in a move toward its long-term goal of a carbon-free society.

As reported by Reuters, the Japanese manufacturer plans to develop a ‘strong hybrid’ vehicle using Toyota technology, expected to debut later in the decade, to further supplement the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars already in its lineup. Subaru is also reportedly developing an all-battery electric car with Toyota for release around the same time.

Subaru said that by 2030 at least 40 per cent of its cars sold worldwide will comprise battery electric vehicles or hybrids.

Tetsuo Onuki, Chief Technology Officer, told a briefing: “Although we’re using Toyota technology, we want to make hybrids that are distinctly Subaru. “It’s not only about reducing CO2 emissions. We need to further improve vehicle safety and the performance of our all-wheel drive.”

Subaru has also announced that it’s popular compact crossover XV is now available with a new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis, XV offers advanced safety performance and a dynamic driving experience.

XV e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph.