Subaru showed its first in-house EV platform to reporters on Sunday, Oct. 18, at its proving ground north of Tokyo, Automotive News reported. The camouflaged all-wheel-drive test mule makes 510 hp and hits 0-62 mph in under 4 seconds, InsideEVs and Electrek report.
Why it matters: Subaru's current EVs, like the Solterra and Trailseeker, share their platform with Toyota. Owning the platform, software and electronics is the path Tesla took, and that legacy automakers are now trying to copy.
What's new
- Battery: 4,000 cylindrical cells from Panasonic Energy, 24% to 25% lighter than Subaru's previous pack; Subaru targets energy density 20% above the industry average.
- Motors: e-axles from Toyota supplier Aisin; Subaru claims 30% better efficiency than the industry average.
- Software: an in-house integrated ECU with over-the-air updates and EyeSight driver assistance, using a custom chip developed with AMD.
- Weight: the platform targets a 100 kg (220 lb) cut versus Subaru's current EVs.
What's not known
Subaru has not disclosed range, battery capacity, charging speed, price or a launch model. Executives said some of the tech will start rolling out around 2029. The Outback body is only a test shell.
"By developing vehicles in-house and having EV technologies on our own, we can quickly deliver to our customers the peace of mind and driving pleasure that define Subaru," engineering chief Takatomo Watamori said.
Subaru sold about 924,000 vehicles in 2025 and wants 1.2 million a year in the early 2030s. More rivals: Ford's $29,945 Fathom pickup and Rivian on memory chip costs.