Subaru shows its first in-house EV tech in a 510 hp prototype

So far, every modern electric Subaru has been a close relative of a Toyota. That is about to change. On 18 October, Subaru showed reporters a prototype built on its first in-house EV platform at its proving ground north of Tokyo, Automotive News reports. Electrek and InsideEVs have also covered the reveal.

What the test car carries

The camouflaged mule looks like a cut-up Outback, but Subaru stresses that the shape is not final. The hardware underneath is the news:

• Power: an all-wheel-drive setup with about 510 hp (380 kW) in total, and 0–100 km/h in under four seconds.
• Motors: e-axles developed with Toyota group supplier Aisin. Subaru says they are smaller and lighter, and claims a 30% efficiency gain over an industry average it did not define.
• Battery: a pack of 4,000 cylindrical cells from Panasonic Energy. Subaru says it is roughly a quarter lighter than its previous pack and targets an energy density 20% above the industry average.
• Weight: the platform aims to shed about 100 kg compared with Subaru's current EVs.
• Electronics: an integrated control unit for driver assistance, chassis, powertrain and infotainment, with a custom chip co-developed with AMD. It will allow over-the-air updates, a first for a car Subaru develops on its own, and will support AI features in a future version of EyeSight.

Subaru has not given battery capacity, range or charging speed.

When it could reach showrooms

Executives say some of this technology could start appearing around 2029. No model or date has been confirmed. "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, as quoted by Electrek.

Subaru is not leaving Toyota behind for now. The partnership still covers the Solterra, Trailseeker and other models. Like Rivian, which wants to license its own tech to other carmakers, Subaru wants more control over the software and electronics. If you are weighing up an EV today, our EV battery care tips and home charger guide apply whichever brand you choose.