Subaru Announces Solterra Charging Partnership, Opens Reservations, But Still No Details

By Phil Royle – Feb. 8, 2022

Subaru’s forthcoming EV endeavor made the news a few times today, first via a partnership announcement with EVgo, and then with a reminder that the company will begin taking reservations on its 2023 Subaru Solterra today. The problem is, like with Subaru’s past announcement regarding the Solterra, details were lacking.

For Subaru’s EVgo partnership, this one was a no-brainer. Subaru has long been the champion for the environment (despite the fact that its boxer engines are notorious for poor fuel economy), and so has EVgo. To that end, EVgo claims to use 100% renewable energy, which comes through the purchase of renewable energy credits – and you don’t have to look far on EVgo’s website to find images of its chargers utilizing solar, presumably for operational functionality.

EVgo stations aren’t as common as those of other charging networks, but its chargers do appear to be in a few Subaru hotspots, including the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado.

Subaru fans shopping for their first EV will likely be drawn to the forthcoming Solterra.

As for what the partnership means, here’s what EVgo said:

With EVgo’s network powered by 100% renewable electricity, Subaru drivers can enjoy a zero emission driving experience, as well as the convenience of charging at more than 800 public fast charging locations and 1,200+ L2 charging stalls spanning 68 metropolitan areas and 35 states. In addition, drivers can access more than 46,000 L2 and DC fast charge public chargers through EVgo’s roaming partners across the country. EVgo continues to build out its fast charging network, and is currently planning to have approximately 16,000 charging stalls deployed by 2027.

All Subaru EVgo account holders can also count on the 24/7 customer support of the EVgo Charging Crew for assistance. All Subaru drivers will have access to EVgo’s mobile app for finding fast chargers, initiating, and monitoring charging sessions, and earning and tracking EVgo Rewards points towards free charging credits.

Meanwhile, Subaru opened its reservation system for the Solterra today:

The Solterra Retailer Reservation Opportunity allows customers a unique chance to be among the first to purchase or lease the 2023 Solterra. A limited number of reservations will be available. The reservation process allows a customer to select their preferred Subaru retailer, pick trim and color, and pay a refundable reservation fee of $250. Final orders, pricing, availability, and financing will be agreed upon with the customer’s Subaru retailer between April and May 2022, subject to pricing announcement. Vehicle deliveries will begin in the Summer of 2022. The Subaru Solterra is available in all 50 states.

The 2023 Solterra EV could be amazing, but the lack of details released by Subaru has us scratching our heads.

But what does any of this mean?

EVgo referenced “Subaru EVgo account holders,” but no details were given as to what the account costs or includes. And while Subaru opened reservations for its EV, there wasn’t as much as a hint to the pricing or, for that matter, a definitive driving range for the electric SUV it claims will begin deliveries this summer.

That’s not to say we have no details about the Solterra. Between what Subaru has stated in the past and what Toyota has claimed about its forthcoming bZ4X (the Solterra’s twin), we do have some information.

For example, the five-seater Solterra is slated to be powered by twin 80 kW AC synchronous electric motors, offering a total of about 215 hp that reaches the ground via all four wheels. And while Subaru seems to keep the number quiet, the Solterra will likely house the same 72.8 kWh, 355-volt battery as the bZ4X. Likewise, the Solterra will likely also weigh about the same as its Toyota counterpart, which would give it a 4,420 lb target weight, with a GVWR of 5,015 lbs.

Dimensionally, the Solterra will likely follow suit with the Toyota, which means a length of 184.6 inches, a width of 73.2 inches, and a height of 64.9 inches (Toyota notes that number includes the antenna). It will probably also have a wheelbase of 112.2 inches and an 18.8-foot turning radius.

Featuring a 12.3-inch center screen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the interior design of the 2023 Subaru Solterra EV is strong.

Charging is a bit of a mystery, as both Toyota and Subaru have claimed that charging to 80% will come in “under an hour.”

Range is also vague. Toyota has yet to give a figure for its all-wheel-drive bZ4X, while Subaru has claimed “more than 220 miles.” Considering Toyota is targeting 250 miles for its front-drive bZ4X, 220 miles for all-wheel drive seems reasonable.

These numbers give the Solterra a theoretical efficiency of about 3.02 mi/kWh, making it slightly less efficient than the Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range eAWD – a vehicle it will likely be priced to compete against.

Which brings us to pricing. Subaru is asking for a $250 deposit on a vehicle it has yet to announce the pricing on.

Even with today’s announcements, the overall details on the Subaru Solterra have been scant, and what we do know hasn’t wowed. For example, if Subaru’s “under an hour” charging time is counting 0-80%, it might be comparable to its competition; but if Subaru is referencing 10-80%, which has become the industry standard of measurement, the Solterra will likely be – shall we say – behind the curve.

Should you slap down $250 for a reservation today? About the only detail we know so far that indicates “yes” is that the reservation fee is refundable.

(Images courtesy Subaru)

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