Ringo Starr once sang, “The future won’t last, it will soon be your tomorrow.” For Subaru fans, tomorrow may be here sooner than you think. That’s because alternative fuel vehicles like the 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid at your local Subaru dealer, and the brand has plans for one of the coolest looking electric vehicles (EVs) on the way. With the United States becoming the latest country to begin actively promoting a shift away from internal combustion gas engines to alternative energy systems to propel vehicles, it makes sense for an automotive company like Subaru to remain on the cutting edge of technology.
The move away from fossil fuels may be gradual, with President Biden targeting 2035 as a date by which all vehicles will be powered by other energy sources. Still, no automotive company wants to be caught on the wrong side of history. That’s why Subaru has been partnering with Toyota on an EV SUV that combines all the great performance and safety features we know and love about Subaru with the technical know-how of Toyota, the company that launched the first commercially successful alternative energy vehicle, the Toyota Prius. With a pedigree like that, it might not be too long before you see these Subaru EVs rolling into your nearest Subaru dealer.
The Evoltis Evolution Revolution
Alternative fuel vehicles are actually nothing new, with electric and steam-powered cars being some of the first engine types for early automobiles. But with plentiful and cheap gasoline coupled with the fact that internal combustion engines vastly outperformed early electric and steam cars, the industry made a concerted effort 100 years ago to go with gas. That was fine back in the old days, but with the increase in pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions as well as the soaring price of oil, an alternative needed to be found for drivers. This is why automakers like Toyota came out with the hybrid Prius.
The current move for many automakers is to go with a fully electric powertrain for future automobiles. Pioneers like Tesla showed that an EV could have sports car performance with the improvements in battery technology and electric motors. Furthermore, they showed that there is a market for EVs. Drivers not only appreciate better energy efficiency and cleaner emissions but also can see how an electric powertrain is quieter than a standard gas or diesel engine with a smoother overall ride. This was one of the unforeseen benefits of the move towards EVs.
Subaru’s goal in designing its first EV, known as the Evoltis, is to have an EV that retains the specific things that drivers love about the brand: exceptional performance, standard all-wheel drive, and efficient roominess. With respect to performance, the Evoltis is expected to feature powerful batteries with superior electric motors. This would give the Evoltis anywhere from 200 horsepower to an amazing 400 horsepower. The most likely amount would be a solid 280 horsepower, giving the Evoltis great acceleration. If other EVs are a guide, then the Evoltis will also generate a prodigious amount of torque, as electric motors are better in this regard than standard internal combustion engines. The batteries themselves will likely be in the range of 50-kWh to 100-kWh, giving the Evoltis a range of between 180 and 375 miles depending on other factors like the type of driving (city vs highway), gross vehicle weight, and driving conditions (clear vs inclement weather).
With respect to looks, the early prototype displayed by Subaru looks like a Forester but with sharper angles. Imagine a Subaru SUV designed by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator for an idea. Also, the Evoltis will probably not have a front grille since there is no need for an air intake on an EV as there is no engine under the hood. Instead, the front will likely provide additional cargo space for the Evoltis, so you may not have to fold down the rear seats to get more room for your stuff. This is an added benefit of an EV. The overall look is striking with its futuristic angles and the interplay of dark panels with a light metallic color scheme. Just like the rest of the Subaru lineup, this is not a cookie-cutter design like the SUVs from other automakers. You know immediately that this Evoltis is a Subaru.
The Evoltis will be all-wheel drive standard, like all other Subaru vehicles. This makes sense since Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive has been setting the industry standard for this type of drivetrain for years. This will provide an optimal distribution of power to all four wheels to produce exceptional traction. In addition, the Evoltis will be a roomy five-passenger SUV like the Forester, getting exceptional legroom for you and your passengers.
It is unclear when the Evoltis will make its debut. Some are optimistic that it could be in the next year or two. However, it has not appeared on any list of Subaru vehicles for the US market or pricing press releases. Instead, many industry observers expect Subaru to test market the Evoltis in Europe or Japan first before introducing it to the American auto market a couple of years down the road.
The Future Is Now for the Crosstrek Hybrid
For those of you who can’t wait for the Evoltis to take its place in the United States market, you can still get behind the wheel of a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. This plug-in hybrid is not just convenient but incredibly fuel-efficient, combining the exceptional Subaru Boxer gas engine with an electric motor and a powerful battery. As a result, you can get up to 90 MPGe with your 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid. In addition, the Crosstrek Hybrid has an astounding range of up to 480 miles. This is one surprisingly powerful hybrid powertrain. The Crosstrek Hybrid can tow up to 1,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice.
The Crosstrek Hybrid blends the electric motor and Boxer gas engine in an efficient manner, using the gas engine to charge the electric battery as well as employing kinetic energy recapture. Basically, this captures the energy produced every time you coast downhill or take your foot off the accelerator and channels it to the Crosstrek Hybrid’s battery. Also, if the battery runs low, the system will begin to use the Boxer engine to charge the battery at a rate of 33% charge in just 30 minutes of driving time. Subaru has also made the Crosstrek Hybrid capable of Level 1 (120-volt) and Level 2 (240-volt) charging. Standard 120-volt household charging will take up to five hours to fully recharge the Crosstrek Hybrid’s battery. If you opt for Level 2 charging, this can take only two hours.
The 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid is also all Subaru with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology systems, and standard Subaru STARLINK multimedia infotainment system on an 8-inch color touchscreen. This means that you will be able to get all the performance, adventure, safety, and entertainment you expect from a Subaru in an incredibly energy efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.
Subaru Stays on the Cutting Edge of Technology
Subaru has made a name for itself with its dedication to technological advancement. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology system is one of the most cutting-edge options in the area of automotive safety. Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia is a user-friendly way to integrate driver enhancement features, communication connectivity, and entertainment into a seamless platform. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is the industry standard for all-wheel drivetrains, and the Boxer engine offers a unique level of performance. With the Crosstrek Hybrid today and the Evoltis tomorrow, Subaru will be advancing the area of alternative energy vehicles, providing exceptional fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing the great performance, safety, and driving fun that we know and love about Subaru vehicles.
