The Subaru Solterrra is an all-new electric crossover packed with some impressive features that mark Subaru’s debut in a highly competitive EV market.
The Subaru Solterra may be a capable entry-level electric vehicle with several cool features, but how fast is the EV? Subaru offers the Solterra as a crossover that isn’t just powered by an electric drivetrain but comes with outstanding off-road abilities. Even as EVs continue to widen their stake in the automotive world, concerns about driving range and the availability of charging stations exist too. However, the Solterra shouldn’t be described solely as the automaker’s flagship electric vehicle but regarded as Subaru’s most technologically-driven vehicle with zero emissions. Having collaborated with the seasoned automaker Toyota to develop the Solterra, so much is expected from Subaru’s first attempt at developing an EV.
In a time when environmentally friendly vehicles have become a part of several automakers’ lineups, the market has witnessed the release of crossovers and pickups possessing solid EV criteria like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ford’s F-150 Lightning. The Solterra is built on the same platform as Toyota’s oddly named bZ4X, the Japanese automaker’s pioneer all-electric vehicle. As expected with such collaborations, the Solterra shares design, body styling, and some other features with Toyota’s EV. With the Solterra’s arrival, Subaru joins other automakers in the march to achieve environmental sustainability.
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However, a vehicle remains a vehicle, hence why features like top speed and driving range are worthy areas of interest. Subaru installed dual electric motors in the Solterra, a feature that applies to the three available trim levels: Premium, Limited and Touring. The electric motors were placed in the rear and front of the EV. They combine to produce an output of 215 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Fueled by dual electric motors, the Solterra has a 0-60 mph record of 6.5 seconds, which is relatively slow when compared to models in its category. Trims with 18-inch wheels are said to possess a driving range of 228 miles, while those fitted with 20-inch wheels can run for 222 miles on a single charge. However, Subaru warns that constant fast charging may reduce the battery’s lifespan. The Solterra’s battery has a capacity of 72.8 kWh. Drivers can access four different levels of power using the Solterra’s different drive models: Eco, Normal, Power and X-Mode. X-Mode is arguably one of Subaru Solterra’s best offerings because it allows the EV to select the best traction setting that matches the current terrain. This optimizes stability and control for the Solterra. There’s also a ground clearance record of 8.3 inches which Subaru claims allows drivers to maneuver difficult terrains, providing a thrilling experience for those wanting an off-road adventure.
The Solterra’s Technology In Focus
Although the bZ4X and Solterra’s designs were based on a single platform, there’s a significant difference between both models. While Toyota offers its EV with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options, Subaru adopts a strategy that has worked for the automaker for so long. Subaru fits the Solterra with the capability to handle an all-new symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This unique drive system sends the linear output from Subaru’s StarDrive technology to enable the vehicle to retain excellent handling in all kinds of weather conditions and terrain. The all-wheel-drive configuration is said to supply up to 60 percent of torque to the rear wheels upon extreme acceleration. The StarDrive is also responsible for channeling a sizable amount of torque using electric motors. This assures the driver an exciting experience off and on the road.
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The Solterra is also the first Subaru to have been made on the e-Subaru global platform, the company’s EV program. Charge times for the Subaru Solterra are pretty long, with a 6.6 kW Level 2 charger needing nine hours of uninterrupted power to attain full charge status. Using a 100 kW DC fast charger gets the driver 80 percent charge status within 56 minutes. However, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 achieves this within 18 minutes.
