Subaru Invests Heavily In R&D - Focus Turns To EV Versions Of Existing Vehicles

Subaru Corp. is considering electric versions of its existing models for the carmaker’s first foray into the technology, as it joins peers around the world in pouring cash into battery-powered vehicles amid tightening emissions rules.

The Japanese company, which plans to make record investments in research and development in this financial year, is weighing installing electric powertrains in current models rather than designing an all-new car, Chief Executive Officer Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, 63, said in an interview on Friday. The move would allow Subaru to capitalize on its reputation for safety while eliminating the need to partner with another automaker, he said.

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SanJoseDriver - 5/24/2017 2:23:37 PM

-3 Boost

And another manufacturer sees the light. Subaru should have seen it sooner since they are so invested in AWD.

MDarringer - 5/24/2017 7:18:46 PM

+3 Boost

It most decidedly ISN'T that manufacturers "haven't seen the light" but more that EV technology (1) is not a full replacement for an ICE vehicle and (2) EV's are double the cost of an ICE car.

The Leaf and Bolt are nice $20K cars. Teslas are great $50K cars.

MDarringer - 5/24/2017 7:01:13 PM

+2 Boost

Why don't they just borrow from Toyota?

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/24/2017 7:36:28 PM

+1 Boost

As they are part owned by Toyota you can be Prius technology will be found in Subaru's. Installing an electric motor and battery pack in an existing model is the tough part. Trunk space is the loser in that equation if it can be done at all. This feature will likely be seen in the next generation of vehicles.

MDarringer - 5/24/2017 8:23:40 PM

+1 Boost

Making Subaru a near-premium brand between Toyota and Lexus would be the move to make.

TheSteve - 5/25/2017 3:49:11 AM

+1 Boost

Just as an FYI, "electrifying" a vehicle that was designed as an ordinary ICE vehicle often yields suboptimal results. See the 1st-Gen Audi Q5 Hybrid as one of the possibly worst examples of hybridizing a regular vehicle.

vdiv - 5/25/2017 11:35:42 AM

+1 Boost

That has nothing to do with the origin of the platform as an ICE vehicle and everything to do with Audi's sheer hate of electric powertrains at the time. Plenty of ICE examples converted to hybrids, if not pure electric, including VW's where the engineers took electrification seriously and the electric motor has a respectable power output.