Guide to Electric Vehicles

 
 

A Subaru Guide to Electric Vehicles

The next evolution of Subaru power is here. The Subaru all-electric vehicle lineup starts with the Subaru Solterra EV SUV, but there is much more to come. A Subaru EV takes all of the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability, advanced active safety technology, and trusted longevity and reliability that Subaru vehicles are known for and combines them with the next-generation e-Subaru Global Platform, a new all-electric vehicle architecture.

We've made it easy to understand and access the conveniences an EV gives you, like charging at home or through our trusted networks, leaving you more freedom to explore. Vehicle shown with accessory and aftermarket equipment.

Vehicle shown with accessory and aftermarket equipment.

 

Charging an Electric Vehicle

Owning a Subaru EV is all about freedom — the freedom from the impact of fossil fuels, the freedom to reach places only a Subaru vehicle can go, and the freedom to charge how and where it’s most convenient for you. A Subaru EV can be a perfect fit for your life no matter how you want to charge it.

EV Charging Flexibility at Home or On the Go

With a Subaru EV, you can leave home each morning with a full charge so you’re always ready to go anywhere. Just like your smartphone, you can simply plug in to a standard wall outlet when you get home with the included Level 1 120V charger. You can get an even faster charge with a Level 2 240V charger utilizing an outlet like the kind used for an electric clothes dryer. Other Level 2 chargers are available for public or customer use at retail stores, hotels, and parking lots 1 Time to charge overnight based on Level 2 charging speeds. Charge times can vary depending on many factors, including temperature, type of charging system, and condition of the vehicle and battery. .

DC fast-charging stations with the most powerful charging technology are available at dedicated locations across the nation.

A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.
A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.

EVgo Charging Network: Charge Up at Over 46,000 Charging Stations

Whether you’re heading across town or the entire country, you’ll have access to over 46,000 public charging stations
2
46,000 includes the EVgo charging network and roaming partners. Visit https://www.evgo.com/partner-roaming/.
— including super-fast Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations that can charge your battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes 3 Charge time varies based on vehicle level of charge, charging rate, ambient temperature and many other factors. — through EVgo, the first public EV fast-charging network in the U.S. to be powered by 100% renewable energy. A Solterra can charge at any Level 2 or DCFC station, but an EVgo account can streamline the process and the EVgo app makes it easy to find the closest available charger as well as provide turn-by-turn directions to the station.
Find an EVgo Charging Station

Benefits of Electric Vehicles

Saving money on gas and the environmental benefits of a zero-emission vehicle are obvious, but there are other reasons why driving a Subaru EV can be so rewarding. From tax credits to reduced maintenance costs to a more pleasant commute, buying a Subaru EV is a smart investment for the long road ahead.

Solterra Is a Zero-Emissions Vehicle

With no tailpipe emissions and no need for gasoline or oil changes, owning an efficient, capable Subaru EV is the easiest way to enjoy everything the natural world has to offer while protecting it at the same time.

A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.
A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credits and Incentives

Owning a Subaru EV means you can take advantage of possible tax credits, state and local financial incentives, and discounts depending on your location and employer.

Learn more at fueleconomy.gov

When leased through Subaru Motors Finance 4 The tradename Subaru Motors Finance (SMF) is owned by Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) or its affiliates and is licensed to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Chase). Subaru is solely responsible for its products and services and for promotional statements about them and is not affiliated with Chase or its affiliates. Auto finance accounts are owned by Chase and are subject to credit approval, terms, and conditions. , new 2024 Subaru Solterra models are eligible for a $7,500 incentive that will be used to lower the lease payment. Ask your retailer for full details on EV financial incentives.

Fuel and Time Savings

No combustion engine means no need for fuel, and if you charge at home, you can expect to only pay approximately $9 to $10 for a full charge 5 Based on US average utility charging rate per Department of Energy, October 2021. , which is a huge savings compared to even the most efficient internal-combustion vehicles. Plus you save on time, since there's no need to stop for gas on the way, making it one less thing you - and your wallet - need to worry about on your commute.

Vehicle shown with accessory and aftermarket equipment.

A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.
A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.

Maintenance Savings

A Subaru EV is not only more fuel efficient than a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle; it’s also simpler to maintain. You’ll even spend less time waiting at the mechanic for regular maintenance like oil changes compared to a gas-powered vehicle.

HOV Lane Access for a Better Commute

Certain states allow electric vehicles to access high-occupancy vehicle lanes. It's just one more way owning a Subaru EV can make everyday driving easier and more enjoyable.

A close up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on the 2022 Subaru WRX.

2024 Solterra Models

Subaru EV Vehicle Premium Trim shown in Elemental Red Pearl

2024 Solterra Premium

Includes these key features:

  • StarDrive® all-electric drivetrain with 72.8 kWh battery capacity
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • 8.3 inches of ground clearance
  • X-MODE® with Downhill Assist Control
  • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technologies
  • Blind-Spot Monitor
  • 8-inch Subaru Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto
  • Roof rails
Subaru EV Vehicle Limited Trim shown in Cosmic White Pearl

2024 Solterra Limited

Includes these key features:

  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • Advanced Park
  • Heated steering wheel, front and rear seats
  • 12.3-inch Subaru Multimedia and Harman Kardon® premium audio system
  • Power adjustable front seats
  • Power rear gate
Subaru EV Vehicle Touring Trim shown in Harbor Mist Gray Pearl, 2 tone

2024 Solterra Touring

Includes these key features:

  • Gloss black hood accent with two-tone paint option
  • Panoramic fixed glass roof with power sunshade
  • Digital rearview mirror
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Interior accent lighting
  • Retractable cargo area cover

F A Q

What is an electric vehicle (EV)? Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on a battery and electric motors instead of the tank and internal combustion engine of gas-powered vehicles. Hybrid electric vehicles are another common type of EV and more recent models can usually operate in electric-only mode for a limited number of miles on a full charge before switching to the internal combustion engine. Some hybrids are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can be charged from an external source, while others can only charge their batteries through the gas-powered engine. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are less common in the United States and use hydrogen gas fuel in combination with oxygen to create electricity. What are the benefits of owning an EV? Fuel is not required in EVs, so you can feel good about owning an environmentally friendly vehicle without the pollutants that gasoline-powered cars emit. Plus, with no need for fuel, you can save on the cost of gas and no longer need to worry about filling up at the gas station. Electric vehicles cost less to maintain because their drivetrains have far fewer moving parts and don't require oil changes and spark plug replacements. EVs that feature a powerful electric motor, like the Subaru Solterra, offer instant torque for better performance and have a quieter ride as there are no engine vibrations. What type of charger do I need to charge the Subaru Solterra at my place of residence?

The Subaru Solterra can be charged at your home using a Level 1 120V charger or a Level 2 240V charger. You can charge your battery every night, just like your smartphone, so you’re always ready to go anywhere with a full charge. A Level 1 charger is included with your Solterra, or you can get a Level 2 240V charger professionally installed in your home for an even faster charge 1 Time to charge overnight based on Level 2 charging speeds. Charge times can vary depending on many factors, including temperature, type of charging system, and condition of the vehicle and battery. .

What type of charger do I need to charge the Subaru Solterra when I’m out? How do I find this type of charging station?

Since your Solterra can go over an estimated 227 miles on an overnight Level 2 full charge, the need to charge while running errands should not be a common occurrence. Should you need to charge while on the go, you have access to over 46,000 public Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations across the U.S. If you do need a charge away from home, your best bet is a DCFC station with a CCS plug. The super-fast DC charger can charge your battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes 6 Charge time varies based on vehicle level of charge, charging rate, ambient temperature, and many other factors. MY23 DC fast-charging capability 10% to 80% in about 60 minutes. .

What are the current EV incentives for consumers? New 2024 Subaru Solterra models leased through Subaru’s preferred lender are eligible for a $7,500 incentive that will be used to lower the lease payment. Additional incentives, tax credits, and discounts may be available based on your location and employer. Make sure to look into your state’s information about electric vehicles. How does the EV tax credit work?

Car shoppers in the U.S. who purchase an electric car or fuel cell electric vehicle from 2023 onward may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 from the Internal Revenue Service. There are restrictions on who can qualify as well as what kinds of EVs are eligible for the tax credit. Visit the IRS clean vehicle credit webpage to learn more.

How long do EV batteries last?

If you’re still driving a gas-powered car, you're probably familiar with conventional internal combustion engine car batteries, but there are big differences in the technology. As opposed to a single lead-acid battery, EVs use lithium-ion battery packs that are similar to the ones powering your smartphone and offer much greater capacity, efficiency, and longevity. Lithium-ion battery lifespans are variable due to different climate temperatures and charging habits, but every EV sold in the U.S. comes with a government-mandated battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles. You can extend your EV battery's life by following the manufacturer's charging best practices, and when they do lose their capacity, the battery pack can usually be repaired or replaced.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

The length of time it takes to charge an EV depends on many factors. Full-size EVs can obviously fit a larger battery pack than a compact EV, which in turn will affect the charge time. In general, the most important factor — beyond the amount of charge remaining — is the type of charger you are using. Level 1 chargers use the common 120V AC outlets you have in your home or garage and could take up to 50 hours if you are charging a completely empty battery. Level 2 chargers in residential settings use a 240V outlet just like an electric clothes dryer and that extra voltage can top up an empty battery in just five to six hours. Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) technology is typically only found in public charging stations and plugging into a DCFC will bring you from 10% to 80% of your battery capacity in about 35 minutes 6 Charge time varies based on vehicle level of charge, charging rate, ambient temperature, and many other factors. MY23 DC fast-charging capability 10% to 80% in about 60 minutes. .

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

While electricity costs vary by location, charging an electric vehicle should give you significant savings over buying gas for a traditional car over the same period of time. Some public charging networks even offer free charging. If you decide you want to install a Level 2 charger in your home, you need to factor in the cost of buying that charging equipment and paying an electrician for the installation. But many people find that their commuting and driving habits can be satisfied by plugging into a Level 1 charger that only needs a regular 120V outlet and letting their vehicle charge overnight.

How do I find electric vehicle charging stations near me?
Solterra owners can access over 46,000 public charging stations
2
46,000 includes the EVgo charging network and roaming partners. Visit https://www.evgo.com/partner-roaming/.
across the country through EVgo. EVgo is the first public EV fast-charging network in the U.S. to be powered by 100% renewable energy.

Find an EVgo Charging Station. Other resources for finding EV charging stations include ChargeHub and PlugShare.

Are electric cars better for the environment?

With zero tailpipe emissions, electric cars generate much less of an impact on the environment compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. Studies looking at the entire lifetime of an EV have shown this environmentally friendly advantage persists even when accounting for the emissions generated by manufacturing and electricity generation. As more sources of renewable electricity production like wind and solar come online, this advantage could even grow larger.