Subaru's current electric vehicle lineup
Subaru makes one fully electric vehicle available in the United States: the Solterra, which launched in 2023. It is a midsize SUV with an EPA-estimated range of around 228 miles on a full charge, depending on which version you choose. The Solterra comes in two main trims, and pricing starts in the mid-$60,000 range, though this varies by model year and current incentives.
Subaru also sells the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which combines a gas engine with an electric motor and battery. This vehicle can run on electricity alone for about 44 miles before the gas engine kicks in, making it useful for daily commutes that don't exceed that distance. The Crosstrek PHEV starts around $35,000 to $40,000 depending on trim level and year.
The company has announced plans to expand its electric lineup over the next several years, with additional models expected in the mid-2020s, but as of now these two vehicles represent Subaru's electric and plug-in hybrid options in North America.
Key Takeaways
- The Solterra is Subaru's only fully electric vehicle, with a range of approximately 228 miles per charge and a starting price in the mid-$60,000s.
- The Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid can run on electricity alone for about 44 miles before switching to its gas engine, making it practical for shorter daily drives.
- Plug-in hybrids like the Crosstrek PHEV let you charge at home but still have gas as a backup, removing range anxiety for longer trips.
- Both vehicles may may have access to for federal tax credits and state incentives, though the amount depends on your location and income level.
How the Solterra's battery and range work
The Solterra uses a lithium-ion battery pack that stores electrical energy to power an electric motor. Subaru offers two battery sizes: a standard version and a larger one that provides the 228-mile range estimate. The actual distance you can drive on one charge depends on driving conditions, weather, and how you drive — highway driving uses more energy than city driving, and cold temperatures reduce range by 20 to 40 percent.
Charging at home using a standard 120-volt outlet takes roughly 11 to 14 hours for a full charge, which works if you charge overnight. A 240-volt home charger (the kind many EV owners install) cuts that time to around 8 to 10 hours. Public fast chargers can add 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes, though the speed depends on the charger type and your battery's current level.
Subaru includes a portable charging cable with the Solterra, but most owners find a dedicated home charger more practical for daily use. The vehicle also has a heat pump system designed to preserve battery range in cold weather, which is useful if you live in a climate with harsh winters.
Charging the Crosstrek Plug-in Hybrid at home
The Crosstrek PHEV's battery is much smaller than the Solterra's because it only needs to power the car for short distances. Charging the battery from empty to full using a standard 120-volt outlet takes about 10 to 12 hours. A 240-volt home charger reduces this to roughly 3 to 4 hours, which is why most PHEV owners install one.
The real advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that you can charge at home overnight and wake up with a full battery for your commute. If your daily drive is under 44 miles, you may never use the gas engine on a typical workday. The gas engine automatically engages when the battery runs low or when you need extra power for highway driving or acceleration.
Because the Crosstrek PHEV has a gas tank as well as a battery, you don't face range anxiety on longer trips the way a fully electric vehicle owner might. You can drive across the country without hunting for chargers — you straightforward refuel with gas as you normally would.
Cost differences between electric and plug-in hybrid Subarus
The Crosstrek PHEV costs less upfront than the Solterra, typically $15,000 to $25,000 less depending on trim level. However, the Solterra may have lower fuel and maintenance costs over time because it has no gas engine and fewer moving parts to service. Electricity is usually cheaper than gasoline per mile, though this varies by your local electricity rates and gas prices.
Both vehicles may reduce your costs through federal tax credits. The federal EV tax credit can be up to $7,500 for the Solterra, though income limits and other rules explore. The Crosstrek PHEV may also may have access to for a credit, though the amount is often smaller. Many states offer additional rebates or tax credits on top of the federal incentive, so your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on where you live.
Insurance, registration, and maintenance costs tend to be lower for electric vehicles because there is no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no transmission fluid. Brake wear is also reduced because regenerative braking — where the motor slows the car and captures energy — does much of the stopping work.
Warranty coverage for batteries and electric components
Subaru covers the Solterra's battery for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty protects against defects and covers the battery if it degrades below 70 percent of its original capacity. The rest of the vehicle has a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Crosstrek PHEV's battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Like the Solterra, this protects against manufacturing defects and premature degradation. The gas engine and transmission have the same standard Subaru warranties as any other Subaru vehicle.
Battery degradation is normal over time — most EV batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their capacity after 10 years of use. Subaru's warranty gives you protection if degradation happens faster than expected, but gradual loss of range over many years is typical and not covered.
Deciding between the Solterra and Crosstrek PHEV
Choose the Solterra if you have a predictable daily commute under 200 miles, can charge at home or at work, and want the lowest operating costs. It is the better choice if you drive mostly in the city and rarely take long road trips, or if you want to eliminate gas purchases entirely.
Choose the Crosstrek PHEV if you take frequent long road trips, live somewhere with limited public charging infrastructure, or want the flexibility of a gas engine without paying for a second vehicle. It is also the better option if you are not ready to commit to fully electric driving or if you tow occasionally — the Solterra is not designed for towing.
Consider your home charging situation carefully. If you cannot install a home charger or do not have reliable access to charging, a plug-in hybrid removes the burden of finding public chargers for daily driving. If you have a driveway or garage where you can charge overnight, either vehicle becomes more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge a Solterra at a public fast charger?
A DC fast charger can add roughly 200 miles of range in 30 to 40 minutes, though the exact time depends on the charger's power level and your battery's current state of charge. Charging slows down as the battery gets fuller, so the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent.
Can I use the Crosstrek PHEV's gas engine if the battery dies?
Yes. The gas engine automatically engages when the battery is depleted, so you will never be stranded. You can drive on gas alone indefinitely, just like a regular hybrid. The battery will recharge partially through regenerative braking and the gas engine, though it charges slowly this way.
What happens to a Solterra's range in winter?
Cold weather typically reduces electric vehicle range by 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. The Solterra's heat pump system helps minimize this loss, but you should expect noticeably shorter range in freezing temperatures. Plan accordingly if you live in a cold climate.
Do I need to install a home charger, or can I use a regular outlet?
You can use a regular 120-volt outlet, but it is slow — a full charge takes 10 to 14 hours for the Crosstrek PHEV and even longer for the Solterra. Most owners find a 240-volt home charger worth the installation cost because it cuts charging time to a few hours, making daily charging more convenient.
Are there federal tax credits available for Subaru electric vehicles?
The Solterra and Crosstrek PHEV may both may have access to for the federal EV tax credit, though the amount varies and income limits explore. The credit can be up to $7,500 for the Solterra, though this depends on where the vehicle is assembled and your household income. Check the IRS website or speak with a tax professional about your specific situation.