Electric Cars: The Basics
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The Subaru Solterra Electric SUV
Subaru is an automotive manufacturing division of the Japanese conglomerate, Subaru Corporation. Though the Subaru brand is not extensively known in the UK and other western European markets, the car manufacturer has developed a niche following of customers, keen on the Subaru signature engine, drivetrain and four-wheel drive capability.
The name Subaru is derived from the M45 star cluster, more commonly known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. In Japanese, the name for Pleiades is Subaru. In fact, the automotive manufacturers logo incorporates the Seven Sisters, with the seventh star invisible to reflect the seventh star, which according to tradition is invisible.
Even though the Solterra is the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Subaru, the company has been involved with electric vehicles (EVs) since 2006, the year Subaru launched the Stella Plug-in electric vehicle. Subaru has also been testing two other electric cars to include, Subaru G4e and the Subaru R1e. Subaru is also involved with a number of other initiatives in regards to electric driving. The company also sells a number of self-charging hybrid vehicles.
If at first glance the all-electric Subaru Solterra SUV looks familiar, there is a good reason. The EV has been developed in partnership with the Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota, that markets the electric vehicle as the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV. Both manufacturers share the same electric architecture platform.
The Solterra is the first pure electric vehicle from Subaru. The electric SUV made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2021. The name Solterra is derived from the Latin words for ‘Sun’ and ‘Earth’. The design for the e-SUV has been evolved from the Subaru Dynamic X Solid design concept. The EV is built using the company’s first all-electric architecture, the Subaru e-Global Platform.
The EV is available in one EV battery size: 71.4 kWh. Subaru claims a WLTP certified zero-emission electric range up to 465 km. Of course, the real-world EV range will be lower than the quoted range. For those new to electric driving, EV range is impacted by a number of factors. Some include: weather, road condition, payload, speed, tyre size, onboard services used etc. For the Solterra SUV, expect a real-world e-range closer to 400 km. A very practical range for short and long distance trips.
The e-SUV incorporates DC rapid charging capability up to 150 kW. The EV can be charged 10%-80% in 30 minutes. The EV has a 7 kW AC onboard charger. Convenient for us living in Ireland, as most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase power supply. The EV can be fully charged via a dedicated single-phase residential EV charger, like myenergi zappi in 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Yes, the EV can be charged via a 3-PIN domestic socket. However, we at e-zoomed discourage using a domestic socket for charging an electric car. We also recommend a topping up approach to EV charging. This way charging times are shorter! Moreover, regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Subaru offers a 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty.
The Solterra electric SUV offers four-wheel drive as standard. The EV has a 80 kW motor in the front and also at the rear. Both deliver a combined torque up to 336 Nm (max power: 218 PS). The electric SUV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a maximum speed up to 160 km/h.
The EV incorporates the upgraded version of the X-MODE AWD system. Solterra electric has three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Power. The Power mode is for higher performance, while the Eco mode reduces power and improves the electric range.
In terms of equipment and technology, Subaru has been keen to emphasis its legacy in terms of safety. The EV incorporates the ‘Subaru Safety Sense’, which includes the following driver assistance and collision avoidance technology as standard: safe exit assist, reverse automatic braking, 360-degree panoramic monitors, pre-collision braking and more.
The electric SUV has a 12.3″ touchscreen infotainment system. Also worth noting that the EV incorporates a heat pump as standard. The heat pump captures heat from other parts of the vehicle to be reused, for example, for heating the cabin. This reduces the use of the onboard EV battery and increases the efficiency of the EV.
In terms of practicality, the pure electric family SUV offers ample headroom and legroom for all passengers (front and rear). Like most pure electric cars, the EV battery is placed below the floor of the vehicle, resulting in more cabin space, and of course, a lower centre of gravity for the EV. The electric car offers a decent boot size up to 452 L. The EV has a towing capacity (Braked) up to 750 kg.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Good electric range | Cheaper alternatives available |
| All-wheel drive (AWD) as standard | 3-phase AC charging not available |
| Practical interior space | Available in only one EV battery size |
Gallery
The All-Electric Subaru Solterra SUV (credit: Subaru)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Subaru Solterra Limited (from € 49,995) |
| Subaru Solterra Touring (from € 54,995) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 71.4 kWh |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard Charger: 7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9.5 hours) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1650 |
| Width (mm): | 1860 |
| Length (mm): | 4690 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2850 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 452 |
| Solterra | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 71.4 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 414 – 465 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kW/km): | 161 – 180 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard Charger: 7 kW AC (0% – 100%: 9.5 hours) |
| Top Speed: | 160 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (PS): | 218 |
| Torque (Nm): | 336 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,015 – 2,040 |
| Colours: | 7 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
The Pros For Electric Cars
| Pros: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
| Lower air pollution: | One can never overestimate the negative impact of air pollution on the health of individuals, in particular, the vulnerable i.e. the children and the elderly. In Ireland, we have witnessed a significant increase in air pollution over the past decade, and yes, petrol and diesel tailpipe emissions have contributed to the worsening air quality across all our villages, towns and cities. Road transportation, though not the only source of pollutants, is a leading source, contributing up to 30%. Electric vehicles help reduce tailpipe emissions i.e. leading to improved air quality. Pure electric cars have no tailpipe, hence the expression ‘zero-tailpipe emissions’ or ‘zero-emissions’. PHEVs do have tailpipe emissions, given the hybrid nature of the vehicle (ICE and electric), but have far lower emissions than a conventional petrol or diesel car. Moreover, when a PHEV is driven on electric mode, the tailpipe emissions are zero! So bottom-line, both BEVs and PHEVs help improve air quality! |
| Lower running costs: | It is a misconception that electric cars are more expensive than petrol and diesel cars. In fact, when electric cars costs are assessed on a life cycle basis, it is clear that EVs are cheaper to drive per km than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For a start, charging an EV battery can cost as little as 5 €, and in most cases less than 10 €. However, refuelling a tank of fuel can cost up to 120 € (if not more!). An EV costs between 5 and 10 cents per km to drive, significantly lower compared to the cost of driving a petrol or diesel car. |
| Lower maintenance costs: | This is applicable only for BEVs. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) and therefore there is less that can go wrong i.e. lower maintenance costs. |
| Lower risk of breakdown: | Given the fewer moving parts in an electric car, it is not surprising that EVs have a lower probability for a breakdown compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Most EV drivers have become astute at ‘topping up’ the EV battery on a regular basis to avoid the risk of being stranded due to an empty EV battery, one of the reasons for seeking breakdown assistance. |
| Convenience of charging at home: | Convenience: an EV can be charged at the convenience of your own home or office (no need to visit a petrol station!). In fact, most EVs are charged overnight at home, when the energy prices are the cheapest! |
| Lower energy price volatility: | EV charging costs have a lower price volatility and lower risk of price inflation, compared to petrol prices (petrol prices continue to negatively impact household finances as fuel prices increase). |
| Solar panels can significantly reduce charging costs: | Residential solar panels can be used to lower the cost of charging. Using residential PV solar, the cost of generating and consuming electricity is nominal, if not free (apart from the upfront costs). Both residential and commercial solar installations (for business premises) are ways to hedge against energy price inflation and achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions. |
| Lower noise pollution: | In general, electric cars are silent with an in-built artificial noise generator primarily for pedestrian safety. The lower noise from EVs help improve the quality of our living environment, in particular, those living close to busy roads and thoroughfares. |
| Instant torque: | Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) have better torque performance than internal combustion engines, hence the ‘torqueof the town’! If in doubt, look at a traffic light that has both these types of cars. As the signal changes to green, the electric car will quickly leave behind the diesel and petrol cars. The primary reason for the superior acceleration in electric cars, is that, electric vehicles deliver ‘peak or maximum torque’ instantaneously, producing immediate acceleration. However, petrol and diesel cars take time to reach maximum or peak torque. In particular, diesel cars are known for being sluggish. Bottom-line, the better torque performance of electric cars, further contributes to the ‘fun factor’ in driving EVs compared to conventional cars. |
| Better for the environment: | Yes, apart from air pollution, in general, electric vehicles are better for the environment, given the lack of dependence on polluting fossil fuels. |
The Cons For Electric Cars
| Cons: Electric Vehicles (EVs) | |
| Retail prices expensive: | It is true, in that, EVs are still expensive in regards to the retail price, compared to an equivalent petrol/ diesel car. However, the past few years has witnessed a reduction in the prices for EVs, along with the emergence of many affordable EV models. Moreover, aspiring owners of EVs have been able to take advantage of public grants. In our view, as the EV sector continues to mature with increased manufacturing volumes, consumer will gain from the inevitable price reduction as a result of the increased economies of scale. Moreover, the best way to acquire a car, is usually through a competitive financing plan like a lease, contract hire etc, making the acquisition of an EV affordable for many. |
| Limited DC charging infrastructure: | Though 80% of EV charging is done overnight at home, public EV charging infrastructure remains a focal point for debates and aspiring/ current owners of EVs. In Ireland the public EV charging network is growing (2,000 charging points, mostly in urban areas). However, we agree that rapid DC charging infrastructure still needs to be deployed more widespread, helping EV drivers achieve a 0% – 80% EV battery charge in under 30 minutes. |
| Limited choice of EVs: | There is no doubt that there has been a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) that have been introduced over the past three years. However, the number of available pure electric cars are still limited in comparison to petrol and diesel vehicles. As global automotive manufacturers ramp-up the development and production of EVs, we expect the ‘consumer choice’ to widen significantly. |
| Limited availability of used EVs: | Given the relatively nascent nature of the EV sector, it is not surprising that the used electric car market is still very small. We do expect the used EV marketplace to improve significantly in the coming years, giving aspiring EV owners a vast choice at competitive prices. |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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