Subaru's all-electric offering is the Solterra, a midsize SUV that arrived in the U.S. market in 2023

The Subaru Solterra is Subaru's first fully electric vehicle sold in America. It is a five-passenger SUV with an estimated range of around 228 miles per charge on the EPA estimate, though this varies based on driving conditions, weather, and how you drive. The vehicle comes in two main trim levels, and pricing starts in the mid-$60,000 range before any tax credits or incentives you might receive.

Unlike Subaru's hybrid models, the Solterra has no gas engine at all — it runs entirely on a rechargeable battery. This means your only fuel cost is electricity, and maintenance is simpler because there are no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid to worry about. The tradeoff is that you need access to a charger, and charging takes longer than filling a gas tank.

Key Takeaways

  • The Solterra is Subaru's only all-electric vehicle currently sold in the United States, launched as a 2023 model year.
  • Range on a full charge is approximately 228 miles, though real-world distance depends on weather, terrain, and driving habits.
  • Charging at home with a Level 2 charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge, while a public DC fast charger can add significant range in 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may be available depending on your income, where the vehicle was assembled, and battery sourcing, though rules change yearly.
  • Operating costs are lower than gas vehicles because electricity is cheaper than gasoline and electric motors need less maintenance.

How the Solterra's battery and range work in real conditions

The Solterra uses a lithium-ion battery pack that stores electrical energy. The EPA rates it at 228 miles of range, but that number assumes a specific mix of highway and city driving under standard conditions. In cold weather, range typically drops 20 to 40 percent because the battery works less efficiently and you use energy to heat the cabin. Highway driving at high speeds also reduces range compared to city driving, because aerodynamic drag increases.

Subaru equips the Solterra with an 11.3-kW onboard charger as standard, which is the device inside the vehicle that converts AC power from a wall outlet into DC power the battery can store. This means charging speed depends partly on what kind of charger you plug into. At home with a Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. At a public DC fast charger (which supplies DC power directly), you can add 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes, though the last 20 percent of charge slows down considerably.

Charging at home versus using public chargers

If you have a garage or driveway and can install a Level 2 charger, home charging is the most convenient option. You plug in overnight and wake up with a full battery. Installation typically costs $500 to $2,000 depending on your electrical panel and how far the charger needs to be from the panel. Some states and utilities offer rebates that reduce this cost.

Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint operate DC fast chargers along highways and in cities. These are useful for road trips or if you cannot install a home charger. However, public charging costs per kilowatt-hour vary by network and location — some charge a monthly membership fee, others charge per use. If you rely entirely on public charging, costs add up faster than home charging.

The Solterra comes with a portable Level 1 charger (120 volts) that plugs into a standard outlet, but this is extremely slow — it adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour and is meant only for emergencies or very short trips. Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home if they can.

Federal tax credits and state incentives

A federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is available for new electric vehicles, though the amount you receive depends on several factors. Your household income must be below certain thresholds (roughly $300,000 for joint filers as of 2024, though this changes yearly). The vehicle's final assembly location and the sourcing of its battery materials also affect the credit amount — rules tightened in 2024 to favor vehicles assembled in North America and batteries with minerals sourced from certain countries.

Because Subaru assembles the Solterra in Japan, not in North America, it may not may have access to for the full $7,500 credit under current rules. You should check the current IRS guidance or speak with a dealer about what credit amount applies to the specific model year and trim you are considering. Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal credit, so check your state's energy office website for current programs.

Operating costs and maintenance compared to gas vehicles

Electricity costs less per mile than gasoline in most parts of the country. If you charge at home at an average U.S. residential rate of around 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, a full charge costs roughly $12 to $14 and gives you 228 miles, or about 5 to 6 cents per mile. Gasoline at $3 per gallon in a typical gas SUV works out to roughly 10 to 12 cents per mile. Your actual savings depend on local electricity rates and gas prices in your area.

Maintenance is simpler because electric motors have far fewer moving parts than gas engines. There is no oil to change, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, and no timing belts. Brake pads last longer because the Solterra uses regenerative braking — the motor slows the car and captures energy back into the battery instead of relying only on friction brakes. You still need tire rotations, cabin air filter replacements, and eventual brake fluid changes, but the overall maintenance cost is lower.

The battery itself is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Battery degradation is gradual — most owners see 5 to 10 percent capacity loss over the first 5 to 8 years of ownership. Replacing a battery is expensive if it fails outside warranty, which is one reason to factor in the long-term cost of ownership.

Driving range on a single charge and highway trips

The 228-mile EPA range means most daily commutes and errands fall well within one charge. If you drive 30 miles a day, you charge once a week. However, highway trips require planning because you cannot drive 228 miles without stopping to charge. On a 300-mile trip, you would stop at a DC fast charger for 20 to 30 minutes partway through.

Subaru includes a navigation system that locates nearby chargers and estimates charging time based on your route. Many owners find that road trips take longer than in a gas car because of charging stops, but the stops themselves are becoming more common and faster. If you frequently take long road trips without time to stop, an all-electric vehicle may not suit your needs — a hybrid or gas vehicle might be a better fit.

Solterra trim levels and what each includes

Subaru offers the Solterra in two main trims: Standard and Limited. The Standard trim includes the core features — all-wheel drive, the 11.3-kW onboard charger, a touchscreen infotainment system, and Subaru's EyeSight Driver information safety suite. The Limited trim adds features like a larger touchscreen, premium audio, heated seats, and a power liftgate.

Both trims come with all-wheel drive as standard, which is different from some competitors that offer front-wheel-drive base models. All-wheel drive improves traction in snow and wet conditions but uses slightly more battery power than front-wheel drive would. Pricing for the Standard trim starts around $63,000 to $65,000 before incentives, and the Limited is roughly $5,000 to $7,000 higher, though these prices vary by model year and dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Solterra at a Tesla Supercharger?

Not directly with the standard connector. The Solterra uses the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, while Tesla Superchargers use Tesla's proprietary connector. However, Tesla is adding CCS adapters to some Superchargers, and third-party adapters exist. Check the Tesla app or call ahead to confirm a specific location accepts CCS before relying on it.

What happens to the battery in very cold weather?

Cold reduces battery efficiency and range by 20 to 40 percent because chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. The Solterra includes a heat pump that warms the battery and cabin efficiently, which helps more than older electric vehicles. Preconditioning — plugging in while parked so the battery warms before you drive — also helps recover some range.

Is the Solterra good for towing?

The Solterra is not rated for towing. If you need to tow a trailer or boat, you would need to choose a gas or hybrid Subaru model instead. This is a significant limitation for owners who occasionally tow.

How does the Solterra compare to other electric SUVs in its price range?

The Solterra competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. The ID.4 is often less expensive, while the Ioniq 5 and EV6 offer faster charging and slightly longer range. The Solterra's main advantages are Subaru's reputation for reliability and all-wheel drive as standard, plus its simpler infotainment system if you prefer that.

Can I install a home charger myself, or do I need an electrician?

You need a licensed electrician. A Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which may require upgrading your home's electrical panel. An electrician will assess your setup and handle the installation safely. Costs vary widely based on your home's wiring and distance from the panel.