Subaru has unveiled initial details of its first dedicated electric vehicle platform, marking a shift towards developing its own EV architecture after launching several electric models based on technology shared with Toyota. The Japanese automaker expects production vehicles using the new platform to arrive around 2029.
The announcement follows Subaru’s expansion of its electric vehicle lineup with models including the Uncharted and Trailseeker, alongside the Solterra. Its upcoming three-row Getaway also forms part of a broader EV portfolio developed through collaboration with Toyota, with the two companies sharing vehicle platforms and powertrain technology.
The new architecture could give Subaru greater control over the design and engineering of its future electric vehicles while allowing the company to incorporate more of its own technical characteristics.
Dual-Motor Test Vehicle Produces More Than 500 HP
According to Automotive News, Subaru presented the new platform, battery technology, electric-motor system and integrated control unit at an event held at its testing facility north of Tokyo.
The company demonstrated the technology using a test vehicle based on the current-generation Outback. The prototype employs two electric motors that together produce more than 500 horsepower. Automotive News reported that the vehicle could accelerate from zero to 62 mph in less than four seconds.
Subaru has not disclosed which production models will use the platform first. However, the new architecture could eventually reduce the automaker’s reliance on Toyota-developed EV hardware and provide a dedicated foundation for its own electric vehicle development.
Automotive News also reported that Subaru developed the platform in roughly half the time normally required for such a programme. The accelerated development timeline comes as automakers face pressure to introduce new EV technologies more quickly.
Lighter Batteries and More Efficient Motors
The test vehicle uses electric motors developed by Aisin, a Toyota supplier, while Panasonic contributed to battery development. According to the report, both the motors and battery pack are more compact and lighter than the corresponding components used in Subaru’s current electric vehicles.
The motors are claimed to deliver a 30% improvement in efficiency compared with the industry average. The battery pack is reported to be 25% lighter, although Subaru has not publicly detailed the full testing methodology behind these figures.
If achieved in production vehicles, the improvements could help Subaru increase driving range and performance while reducing vehicle weight. Greater motor efficiency and a lighter battery system could also improve energy consumption without requiring a larger battery pack.
The combination of compact components and a dedicated chassis may give engineers additional flexibility in packaging the powertrain and battery system.
Over-the-Air Updates for Driver Assistance and Infotainment
Subaru is also developing an integrated control unit designed to support over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The technology could allow the company to deliver software improvements after vehicles have been sold, rather than relying exclusively on dealership visits.
Executives told Automotive News that Subaru is working on new hardware for the next generation of EyeSight, its driver-assistance system, as well as future infotainment functions. Both systems are expected to support OTA updates.
The move reflects a broader industry shift towards software-enabled vehicles, in which manufacturers can refine selected functions and introduce improvements throughout a vehicle’s service life.
Subaru Continues Developing Hybrid and Combustion Technology
Despite its investment in a dedicated EV platform, Subaru is continuing to develop more efficient hybrid powertrains and internal combustion engines. The strategy indicates that the company intends to pursue multiple powertrain technologies rather than concentrate exclusively on battery-electric vehicles.
The new platform remains under development, with production vehicles expected around 2029. Details concerning the first models, battery capacities, driving ranges, charging performance and production specifications have not yet been announced.
For Subaru, the project represents an opportunity to build greater in-house EV engineering capability while retaining collaboration with established technology suppliers.