The partnership between Toyota and Subaru aims to introduce a new electric SUV, which is set to be launched in 2026.
This model will be based on existing electric vehicles such as the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, focusing on cost reduction during production.
According to reports from Japan, the new vehicle will be manufactured at Subaru's Yajima plant in Gunma Prefecture, with an anticipated monthly output of 15,000 to 20,000 units.
The new models are expected to target the North American, European, and Japanese markets, with potential similarities in appearance to the existing Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X, differing mainly in minor details.
Additionally, Subaru has plans to launch three fully electric SUVs developed in collaboration with Toyota by the end of 2026, and four more by the end of 2028. It remains unclear how many models will be produced at Yajima, but there are rumors that one of the additional models might be a three-row electric crossover to be manufactured in the United States.
Initially, production of this new model was expected to begin next year, but reports suggest delays due to design changes.
Subaru has ambitious plans for electric vehicles, aiming for EVs to represent 50% of its global sales in the future, although in 2023, the Solterra—its only electric vehicle—accounted for merely 0.02% of total sales.
Clearly, Subaru has a long way to go to achieve its goals,and the only way to approach these targets is by launching a series of attractive new models that will convince buyers that electric vehicles are the way forward.
