Subaru initially planned to penetrate the Australian electric vehicle market with its maiden BEV model by Q2 2023, CarExpert reported.
However, the Japanese automaker experienced a major delay of approximately six months in bringing the Subaru Solterra to the domestic market. It further cited production and supply issues that prompted the company to adjust the initial timeline and upgrade the model.
“Our initial aim was to be in market by [the second quarter of] this year, so we’re about six months behind due to production and supply challenges and we’ve elected to wait for the next model year to launch with the 2024 model year.”
Blair Read, Subaru Australia Managing Director
2024 Subaru Solterra EV details
The Subaru Solterra is a mid-sized electric SUV. It is wider and longer than the Forester SUV.
It is equipped with front and rear all-electric motors to support all-wheel drive configuration.
The company claims the model can enable a driving range of 487 km to 542 km between chargers. However, it must be noted that these estimates are based on the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s test cycle. Therefore, its Australian specifications may be different.
The Solterra AWD in Japan also boasts electric motors on each axle that generate a maximum output of 80kW/169Nm. Meanwhile, its system capacity can reach 160kW and 337Nm. The automaker equipped it with a 71.4kWh li-ion battery pack. As for its charging capability, the Solterra has an AC charge rate of up to 6.6kW and a DC rate of up to 150kW.
Unfortunately, Subaru has yet to announce the official Australian specifications and pricing of the highly awaited 2024 Solterra EV.
Schedule
Nonetheless, we already know that it will begin selling in October 2023. Subaru also confirmed that the model’s deliveries will start by the year’s end.
Despite the delay, Subaru also emphasized that the Solterra has gained “strong interest” from Australian customers.
“We haven’t finalised pricing and specification yet, but compared to the evaluation car we have had here for a year, there are some updates and improvements that will flow through to the MY24 Solterra. While orders for Solterra don’t officially open until October, there’s strong interest from customers that have been into a dealership and wanted to sign a contract.”
Blair Read, Subaru Australia Managing Director
Mr. Read also disclosed that most of the highly interested customers were already Subaru car owners. It shows how the brand managed to maintain a good reputation for its customers.
“Once we officially open orders, we expect to build a strong order bank, with a good number of those expected to be Subaru customers, but we still expect to bring new customers to the brand with Solterra.”
Blair Read, Subaru Australia Managing Director
Subaru to launch 8 BES by 2028
Subaru can be considered as one of the laggards in the electric vehicle industry compared to Chinese rivals.
Nonetheless, the automaker is confident with its strategy to launch a total of 8 BEVs in Australia by 2028.
Four of those planned models will arrive as soon as 2026, CarExpert indicated.
“For sure you have to look at the market and what competitors are doing to understand where you sit, and all we can do is to control what we can control. Whatever new product we decide to go with in Australia (and New Zealand), we have to make sure it remains absolutely true to the brand. You don’t blink and react just because something maybe different in market.”
Blair Read, Subaru Australia Managing Director
See Also:
- Subaru to launch four new electric models by 2026
- Subaru plans to become all-electric by 2025
- Subaru plans to build its first electric vehicle factory
- Subaru to use Panasonic’s next-gen cylindrical batteries
- Tesla Model Y advances to second spot in Australia’s top-selling car in June 2023
The upcoming Subaru Solterra will face competition from the world’s top-selling vehicle, the Tesla Model Y, with a base price of $69,300. Other rivals include the $72,000 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and $72,590 Kia EV6.
