Subaru Developing In-House EVs, and It Starts With a 510-HP AWD Prototype

Key Points:

• Subaru unveiled a new in-house electric vehicle platform featuring a battery-powered all-wheel drive system with over 500 horsepower and a 0-62 mph acceleration in under four seconds, aiming for production rollout starting in 2029.
• The new platform is about 220 pounds lighter than Subaru’s current EV platform and includes advanced e-axle motors developed with Aisin Corp and batteries from Panasonic Energy, boasting 30% greater motor efficiency and 20% higher battery energy density than industry averages.
• Subaru is moving away from its EV partnership with Toyota to gain more brand independence, focusing on delivering a unique driving experience and quickly adapting EV technologies developed internally.
• Safety enhancements include a redesigned front end for better passenger protection and a front e-motor designed to rotate to absorb crash impact forces, while Subaru plans to continue developing combustion engines with improved thermal efficiency.
• The automaker is also advancing its electronic control systems by developing integrated ECUs in-house with Advanced Micro Devices, enabling over-the-air updates and supporting future versions of its EyeSight safety suite.