Subaru's current electric vehicle models and what they are designed for

Subaru makes two battery-electric vehicles available in the United States: the Solterra and the BRZ e-POWER (though the BRZ e-POWER is a plug-in hybrid, not fully electric). The Solterra is Subaru's main all-electric offering — a midsize SUV built on a dedicated EV platform that seats five and comes in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive versions. It launched in the U.S. market in 2023 and is manufactured by Subaru and Toyota jointly.

The Solterra is designed for drivers who want an electric SUV with Subaru's standard all-wheel-drive option and emphasis on all-weather capability. It does not tow, and its interior is smaller than some competing electric SUVs in its price range. The vehicle comes with a standard 71.4 kWh battery in front-wheel-drive models and a larger 72.8 kWh battery in all-wheel-drive models, though Subaru has adjusted battery sizes and availability by model year.

Subaru has announced plans for additional electric models, but as of now the Solterra is the only fully battery-electric vehicle the company actively sells new in the U.S. market. The company also sells the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid, which has a small battery and gas engine, making it different from a pure electric vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only fully electric vehicle currently sold in the U.S., available in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive with battery sizes that vary by model year and trim.
  • Solterra range varies by drivetrain and battery size, typically between 220 and 230 miles per full charge according to EPA estimates, though real-world distance depends on driving conditions and habits.
  • Subaru offers a standard 10-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty on the Solterra, which is longer than many competitors offer.
  • The Solterra charges on standard Level 2 home chargers and DC fast chargers, with charging time ranging from under 30 minutes at a fast charger to 10+ hours on a home outlet.
  • Subaru's all-wheel-drive option on the Solterra adds weight and reduces range but is standard on some trims and designed for winter and rough-road driving.

How Solterra range and battery performance compare to other electric SUVs

The Solterra's EPA-estimated range falls in the middle of the electric SUV market. Front-wheel-drive models typically achieve 228 miles of range, while all-wheel-drive versions drop to around 220 miles, depending on the model year and battery configuration. This is less than some competitors — the Tesla Model Y Long Range offers over 300 miles, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can exceed 300 miles in certain configurations — but more than smaller or older electric SUVs.

Real-world range depends heavily on temperature, driving style, and terrain. Cold weather reduces battery efficiency by 20 to 40 percent in most electric vehicles, including the Solterra. Highway driving at higher speeds also cuts range more than city driving. Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, which powers both front and rear wheels, adds efficiency loss compared to front-wheel-drive but provides better traction in snow and on unpaved surfaces.

The Solterra battery is designed to retain 70 percent of its original capacity after 10 years or 100,000 miles under Subaru's warranty. Most modern EV batteries degrade slowly — typically 2 to 3 percent per year in normal use — so a Solterra battery should retain 80 to 85 percent capacity after five years of typical driving.

Charging options and how long it takes to charge a Solterra

The Solterra accepts three types of charging: Level 1 (standard 120-volt household outlet), Level 2 (240-volt home or public charger), and DC fast charging (public networks). Charging speed varies dramatically by method. A Level 1 outlet adds roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge from empty takes 24 to 40 hours. Most owners never use Level 1 except as emergency backup.

Level 2 charging is the standard for home installation and public locations like parking garages and shopping centers. A Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour on the Solterra, so a full charge from empty takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the charger's power output (most home chargers are 7.2 kW, while some public chargers are 11 kW or higher). Most owners charge overnight at home and rarely need a full charge.

DC fast chargers, found at public networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers (with an adapter), add 150 to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes on the Solterra. A full charge from 10 percent to 80 percent typically takes 25 to 35 minutes at a 150 kW fast charger. Charging slows significantly above 80 percent to protect battery health, so most road trips involve charging to 80 percent rather than waiting for a full charge.

Subaru's warranty coverage for the Solterra battery and powertrain

Subaru covers the Solterra battery under a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty against defects and capacity loss below 70 percent of original capacity. This is one of the longest battery warranties in the industry — many competitors offer 8 years or 100,000 miles. The warranty is transferable to a second owner if you sell the vehicle, though coverage may be reduced to 5 years or 60,000 miles depending on Subaru's specific terms at the time of sale.

The powertrain (motor, inverter, and transmission) is covered under Subaru's standard 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, with an extended powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. This is shorter than the battery warranty but typical for the industry. Wear items like brake pads and tires are not covered.

The warranty does not cover damage from accidents, flooding, or owner misuse. It also does not cover normal battery degradation beyond the 70 percent threshold — if your battery retains 72 percent capacity after 10 years, it is not covered, but if it drops to 68 percent, Subaru will repair or replace it at no cost.

Cost of ownership: purchase price, incentives, and fuel savings

The Solterra's starting price varies by model year and trim but typically ranges from the mid-$40,000s to over $50,000 before incentives. All-wheel-drive models cost several thousand dollars more than front-wheel-drive versions. Prices have shifted as Subaru adjusted production and battery configurations, so checking current dealer pricing is necessary for accurate figures.

Federal tax credits may reduce the purchase price by up to $7,500 if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements, though not all Solterra trims and model years may have access to. Many states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases — amounts vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on your state. Some utility companies also offer rebates for installing a home charger.

Operating costs are lower than gas vehicles. Electricity costs roughly one-third to one-half the cost of gasoline per mile driven, depending on local electricity rates and your vehicle's efficiency. The Solterra's efficiency is typically 3.5 to 4 miles per kWh, meaning a full charge costs $8 to $15 depending on your local electricity rate. Maintenance is simpler than gas vehicles — no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid — though tire wear may be slightly higher due to the vehicle's weight.

Subaru's environmental goals and how the Solterra fits into their strategy

Subaru has committed to offering electrified versions of all its main models by 2028, with a goal of making battery-electric vehicles 40 percent of its U.S. sales by 2035. The Solterra is the first step in this transition. The company is also developing the Subaru Prologue, an electric sedan co-developed with Honda, which began U.S. sales in 2024.

The Solterra's manufacturing involves Subaru's partnership with Toyota, which supplies battery technology and platform engineering. Both companies are investing in battery production capacity in North America to reduce supply chain emissions and costs. Subaru has also committed to carbon neutrality in its manufacturing by 2050.

The environmental benefit of an electric vehicle depends on your regional electricity grid. In areas with renewable energy sources (wind, solar, hydroelectric), an electric Solterra produces significantly lower lifetime emissions than a gas vehicle. In regions relying on fossil fuels for electricity, the benefit is smaller but still typically positive over the vehicle's life. The Union of Concerned Scientists and other research organizations have found that even in coal-heavy grids, electric vehicles produce fewer emissions than comparable gas vehicles.

Where to find Subaru electric vehicles and what to expect when shopping

The Solterra is sold through Subaru dealerships in the United States. Availability varies by region — some dealerships may not stock them, and you may need to order one for delivery. Subaru's website includes a dealer locator and inventory search tool where you can see which dealerships have Solterras in stock or can order one.

When shopping, expect the sales process to be similar to buying a gas Subaru, though some dealerships may have staff trained specifically on electric vehicle features and charging. Ask about the dealership's experience with EV sales and whether they can answer questions about charging, range, and warranty. Some dealerships offer test drives, though availability may be limited if inventory is low.

Timing matters — Subaru adjusts Solterra production and pricing by model year, and inventory can be limited during high-demand periods. If you are interested in a specific trim or color, contacting dealerships early and asking about order timelines is helpful. Federal tax credits and state rebates may also change year to year, so confirming current incentives before purchase is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Solterra's all-wheel-drive system work compared to the front-wheel-drive version?

The all-wheel-drive Solterra has a motor on the front and rear axles, allowing independent power to each wheel. This improves traction in snow and on rough terrain but adds weight and reduces range by roughly 8 to 10 miles compared to front-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive is standard on some trims and optional on others.

Can I charge a Solterra at a Tesla Supercharger?

Yes, with an adapter. The Solterra uses the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which Tesla Superchargers now support. You will need a NACS-to-CCS adapter if your vehicle has an older charging port, though newer Solterras come with NACS built-in. Check with your dealer about adapter availability.

What happens to the Solterra battery if I don't drive it for months?

Modern EV batteries lose charge slowly when parked — roughly 2 to 3 percent per month in normal conditions. Subaru recommends keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent charge for long-term storage. If you park a Solterra for several months, it will lose some range, but the battery itself will not be damaged.

Is the Solterra good for towing a trailer?

No. The Solterra is not rated for towing. If you need to tow, you would need to consider a plug-in hybrid like the Subaru Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid or a gas-powered Subaru model.

How does winter driving affect Solterra range and performance?

Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency by 20 to 40 percent, so a Solterra with 220 miles of range in mild weather might achieve only 130 to 175 miles in freezing conditions. Heating the cabin also draws power from the battery. Subaru's all-wheel-drive option helps with traction on snow and ice, but range loss is unavoidable in cold climates.