Key Takeaways
Subaru sells only one electrical automobile in america, and it’s a rebadged Toyota bZ4X. However the Solterra might quickly be joined by a sibling, with a brand new trademark submitting pointing in direction of an electrical (or electrified) Outback. In keeping with AutoGuide, a brand new submitting for the “e-Outback” nameplate suggests Subaru is engaged on its subsequent EV.
The automaker has been sluggish to embrace electrification. Whereas rivals have supplied hybrid variants for years, the Japanese marque is simply planning to introduce an electrified Forester now. Like the brand new Mazda CX-50 hybrid, the Subaru is predicted to make the most of Toyota hybrid know-how, bolstering attraction for Subaru clients. Will the e-Outback comply with go well with? It’s very potential.
Trademark filings don’t assure using a reputation in future automobiles and are sometimes used solely as a method of defending mental property and naming traits. Such a submitting can’t be construed as affirmation of manufacturing intent.
A Hybrid Outback? It Would Make Sense
For months, rumors of a hybrid Outback have been floating across the automotive grapevine, however nothing has been confirmed. It could be very simple for Subaru to adapt the Outback for hybridization. Seeing because the Outback has been round since MY2020, it might be odd for Subaru to introduce a hybrid this late into the mannequin run. The e-Outback will doubtless debut as a part of the seventh era, though this has not been confirmed by the automaker.
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The Subaru Forester is a unbelievable used purchase – and the 2012 mannequin yr is essentially the most dependable one.
The opposite risk is a fully-electric Outback, however this may doubtless have restricted attraction. For one, wagons are a dying breed in america, with clients preferring ubiquitous SUVs and crossovers. Electrical automobile gross sales are waning, so providing an all-electric wagon wouldn’t precisely usher in earnings. Then once more, issues may change by the point the e-Outback reaches the market. It’s price noting that Subaru and Toyota are engaged on three electrical automobiles which ought to arrive as early as 2026. Subaru has used the ‘e-‘ suffix earlier than with the e-Boxer, denoting a flat-four engine paired with an electrical motor.
“Reaching a carbon-neutral society is a problem that should be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as an entire. As we proceed to refine electrification know-how, we can even improve our horizontally-opposed engines with an goal to make use of carbon-neutral fuels sooner or later. Shifting ahead, the three firms sharing the identical aspiration will proceed to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese automotive manufacturing.”
– Atsushi Osaki, Subaru Company President and CEO
Battery-Electrical Outback Is Unlikely – An Environment friendly Hybrid Makes Extra Sense
Primarily based on this, it is protected to imagine the e-Outback will more than likely be a hybrid. Earlier this yr, Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda introduced they might co-develop carbon-neutral electrified engines for future automobiles, with Subaru choosing a horizontally opposed design. Ought to the e-Outback come to fruition, there’s an opportunity these engines may discover their method underneath the Outback hybrid’s hood. CarBuzz has contacted Subaru for extra data and can replace the article as soon as we obtain a reply.
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Plans name for 3 new automobiles by means of 2026.
In current months, Subaru has trademarked a number of names for potential future use. Whereas there are not any particulars, these emblems will doubtless be used as trims or future fashions. Names embrace Trailhead, Uncharted, Viewfinder, Highroad, and Everguide. These may all be used for adventurous trims like the present Wilderness grade, however this stays to be seen.
Supply:
AutoGuide