Subaru's current electric vehicles and what they're built for

Subaru currently sells two fully electric vehicles in North America: the Solterra and the Crosstrek Hybrid (which is a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric). The Solterra is Subaru's main electric offering—a midsize SUV built on the same platform that Toyota uses for the bZ4X. It seats five, has a starting price around $48,000 before incentives, and comes with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Solterra is designed for owners who want Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive system and safety features in an electric package. It's not a performance vehicle or a budget option; it's a practical family SUV that runs on electricity. The battery comes in two sizes: a smaller 71-kWh option that gives roughly 220 miles of range, and a larger 82-kWh option that reaches about 228 miles. Both are EPA-rated figures, which means real-world range depends on driving conditions, temperature, and how you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only fully electric vehicle currently sold in the United States, available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and starting around $48,000 before any federal tax credits.
  • Range varies by battery size and driving conditions, but EPA estimates put the Solterra between 220 and 228 miles per charge depending on the model.
  • Subaru's standard safety features and all-wheel-drive system carry over to the Solterra, which appeals to owners in snow and rough terrain who want electric power.
  • Charging at home on a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging can add 200 miles in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
  • Subaru has not announced a timeline for additional electric models beyond the Solterra, though the company has stated plans to expand its EV lineup in future years.

How the Solterra's all-wheel drive and ground clearance work in practice

Subaru's reputation rests on all-wheel drive, and the Solterra carries that forward. The standard front-wheel-drive version uses a single motor; the all-wheel-drive version adds a second motor at the rear, giving independent control of front and rear wheels. This matters in snow, gravel, and slippery conditions because the system can send power where it's needed without a mechanical connection between front and rear—something traditional all-wheel drive cannot do as precisely.

The Solterra sits 8.6 inches off the ground, which is typical for a midsize SUV. It's not a truck or a high-clearance vehicle, so it won't ford streams or climb rocks the way a Jeep would. What it does offer is enough height to see over traffic, enough ground clearance for unpaved roads and speed bumps, and the weight distribution of an electric SUV (lower center of gravity because the battery is in the floor) that actually improves handling on curves compared to a gas SUV of the same size.

Charging the Solterra at home and on the road

Charging speed depends on the equipment you use. A standard 120-volt household outlet (the kind you plug a lamp into) will add about 3 miles of range per hour—so a full charge takes roughly 80 hours. That's impractical for daily use. Most Solterra owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which runs on 240 volts (the same circuit as an electric dryer or oven). A Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 8 to 10 hours overnight.

On the road, the Solterra can use DC fast chargers at public networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. A 30-minute fast-charge session typically adds 200 miles of range under ideal conditions—meaning cool weather, a battery that's not already hot from driving, and a charger running at full power. In hot weather or when the battery is warm, charging slows down as a safety measure to protect the battery's long-term health.

Subaru includes three years of complimentary charging at Electrify America stations with every new Solterra, which covers some of the cost of road trips. After that period, you pay per session or per kilowatt-hour depending on the network's pricing model.

Maintenance and long-term reliability of electric Subarus

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than gas engines, which changes what breaks and how often. The Solterra has no oil changes, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts. The regenerative braking system (which captures energy when you slow down) means brake pads last much longer—often 100,000 miles or more instead of 50,000 to 70,000 for a gas car.

Subaru covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That's the industry standard. Battery degradation is real—most EV batteries lose 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year in normal use—but it's gradual. A Solterra with 100,000 miles will likely have 80 to 85 percent of its original range, not a sudden cliff drop.

The rest of the vehicle—suspension, brakes, steering, electrical systems—follows Subaru's typical reliability pattern. The company has a mixed track record: some model years and systems are solid, others have had issues. The Solterra is new enough that long-term data is limited, but it shares major components with the Toyota bZ4X, which has been on the road longer and has fewer reported problems so far.

How the Solterra's price compares to other electric SUVs

At roughly $48,000 to $55,000 before incentives, the Solterra sits in the middle of the electric SUV market. A Tesla Model Y (smaller, faster, longer range) starts around $43,000. A Kia EV9 (larger, three rows of seating) starts around $55,000. A Volkswagen ID.Buzz (van-style, unique design) starts around $59,000. A Chevrolet Blazer EV (similar size, GM's Ultium platform) starts around $43,000.

The Solterra's price reflects Subaru's brand positioning: not the cheapest, not the fastest, but known for all-wheel drive and safety. If you prioritize those features and don't need maximum range or performance, the Solterra's cost is competitive. If you're shopping primarily on price, a Chevy or Tesla will undercut it. If you want the largest vehicle or the longest range, other options exist.

Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available for new electric vehicles that meet domestic content and price requirements. The Solterra qualifies, though the exact credit depends on your income, where the vehicle was assembled, and which battery components were sourced domestically. State incentives vary widely—some states offer additional rebates, others offer nothing. Check your state's EV incentive program for current details.

Subaru's future electric vehicle plans

Subaru has announced that it will expand its electric lineup, but the company has not released specific models or timelines. The manufacturer has stated a goal to have electrified versions (meaning hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric) of all its vehicles by 2030, but that does not mean all will be fully electric. The Crosstrek Hybrid is already available as a plug-in option, and more plug-in hybrids are likely before fully electric versions arrive.

The automotive industry moves slowly on new models—development, testing, and regulatory approval typically take four to six years from concept to showroom. Subaru's next fully electric vehicle is unlikely to arrive before 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, and the company has not confirmed what type of vehicle it will be.

Real-world considerations before buying a Solterra

Electric vehicles work best for owners who have reliable access to charging. If you rent an apartment without a dedicated parking space, or if you live in an area with few public chargers, an electric vehicle creates real inconvenience. If you have a driveway or garage and can install a Level 2 charger, the math changes dramatically—you start each day with a full charge and rarely need a public charger except for road trips.

Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent depending on how cold it gets. If you live somewhere that regularly drops below freezing, expect noticeably shorter range in winter. The Solterra's heat pump (a more efficient heating system than older EVs) helps, but physics still applies: cold batteries and cold air both reduce efficiency.

Towing capacity is limited. The Solterra can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is fine for a small trailer but not for boats or large cargo. Towing also reduces range significantly—expect 20 to 30 percent less range when pulling a trailer. If towing is a regular need, an electric vehicle may not fit your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Solterra at a Tesla Supercharger?

Not yet. Tesla Superchargers use a proprietary connector that Tesla is beginning to open to other brands, but Subaru has not announced plans to support it. The Solterra uses the standard CCS connector, which works at Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and most other public networks. Tesla is gradually adding CCS adapters to Superchargers, but availability is still limited.

What happens to the Solterra's battery after 100,000 miles?

The battery is still under warranty until 100,000 miles or eight years, so Subaru covers any defects. After that, the battery continues to work—it just has less capacity than when new. Most owners report 80 to 85 percent of original range at 100,000 miles. Battery replacement is expensive (typically $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size), but most Solterras won't need replacement until well past 150,000 miles.

Does the Solterra have one-pedal driving?

Yes. When you lift off the accelerator, regenerative braking captures energy and slows the car. In the strongest setting, you can bring the car to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. This reduces brake wear and extends range by recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat.

How long does it take to charge a Solterra on a road trip?

A DC fast charger adds roughly 200 miles in 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down significantly. For a 300-mile trip, plan on one 30-minute charging stop. For a 600-mile trip, plan on two stops. Actual time depends on charger availability, weather, and how much charge you want before leaving.

Is the Solterra available in all states?

Subaru sells the Solterra nationwide, but availability at individual dealers varies. Some dealers have not ordered them, so you may need to contact multiple dealers or order one for delivery. Availability is typically better in states with more EV infrastructure and higher EV adoption, such as California, Washington, and the Northeast.