2022 Subaru Evoltis: EV Crossover Developed with Toyota
2022 Subaru Evoltis – Subaru may seem slow in the development of electric cars. Still, it has quietly developed its first electric vehicle that could leave the brand with a strong competitor in the crossover-SUV market earlier this decade.
The first Subaru electric car, which by web media is referred to as the Subaru Evoltis, will compete with the Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4.
2022 Subaru Evoltis
Subaru is usually not the first manufacturer to think of electric vehicles. The Japanese-based brand is better known for its turbocharged boxer engines, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and family-friendly off-road prowess.
However, that will all change with an all-electric crossover called the Evoltis. Developed in conjunction with Toyota, this will be Subaru’s first robbery into the EV scene.
We saw an initial conceptual mockup in January, but what interests us most is how it looks in production form, so let’s look digitally further while noting that at this point, it’s unclear whether the SUV will be a compact- (think Toyota RAV4), medium- (like a Subaru Ascent) or a size in between.
Regarding this EV, Subaru-Toyota’s relationship is again soaring. This time it will expand beyond their collaboration in producing small sports cars.
Because, reportedly, Toyota will help in the development of electric vehicles or EV Subaru. Details about power and range are unknown, but all indications will arrive next year as a 2022 model.
The rendering image is based heavily on the chisel concept vehicle that Subaru launched last January. A little touch was added to the old Subaru SVX to make the right size on this car.
Toyota connection is undoubtedly not a coincidence because the Toyota RAV4 Prime has a comparable size, and this car is a plug-in hybrid.
Edgy Overview
At first glance, The mock hexagonal grille exudes Audi feel and features its futuristic German hawk-eye DRL lighting. Elsewhere, the style is an assortment of contrasting plaid cladding and a tense, angular surface.
Being EV allows the wheel to be pushed to the farthest corner for an athletic attitude while contrasting rooflines provide a highly advanced cab aesthetic. The usual side-view mirror replaces the camera-based rearview mirror from its concept, and the frameless window also does not switch to production.
On the back, a monolithic look with a flat surface and sharp rear door glass. The sleek LED taillights span the hatch’s width and cascade vertically to a 90-degree angle with almost no indentations anywhere.
Under The Bodywork
Evoltis will sit atop Toyota’s comprehensive e-TNGA platform (Toyota New Global Architecture electric) developed in conjunction with Subaru. Its flexibility allows front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and most importantly for Subaru, an all-wheel-drive configuration.
While we haven’t seen the interior yet, stay tuned for the latest infotainment and connectivity, with a dominant touchscreen display, wireless charging, Android Auto &Apple CarPlay.
It is not known whether Evoltis will use the Subaru Eye-Sight X or Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 3.0) driver assistance range. Either way, we could see Level 3 semi-autonomous driving as an option, at least.
2022 Subaru Evoltis Performance
The report shows The E-TNGA architecture has been able to accommodate battery packs ranging from 50 kWh to 100 kWh. This will allow Evoltis to reach a range of 186 miles (300 km) for the 50 kWh package and 372 miles (599 km) for the 100 kWh variant.
In terms of performance, estimate about 215 hp (160 kW) for the base dual-motor variant and 402 hp (300 kW) for higher performance dual motor settings. The latter would be a fantastic combination for fast food cosmetics and improved handling under the STi branded banner.
2022 Subaru Evoltis Rivals
At the time of launch, it will face increased competition in Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-e, Nissan Ariya, Genesis JW midsized EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. More expensive alternatives include the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC, Tesla Model Y, Audi e-Tron, and Cadillac Lyriq.
Official disclosure can be made in early 2021 or 2022 – likely in pre-production form. However, Subaru was able to resist it due to the pandemic and the arrival of solid-state batteries developed with Toyota &Panasonic, which will enter limited production starting 2025.
Subaru Evoltis Positioning
Segment C is the most popular class worldwide and provides a huge scale for automakers. That explains why Volkswagen, Nissan, and Skoda first focused on electric cars in the C segment.
Consider the VW ID.3, VW ID.4, Nissan Leaf, Skoda Enyaq, and Nissan Ariya, for example. In line with industry trends, Subaru plans to launch the BEV C segment first, and it will be the top hat SUV.
2022 Subaru Evoltis Specifications
The Subaru Evoltis may not feature front luggage or ‘frunk,’ but it does hint at flat floors that allow for lounge-like interiors and a vast cluster of digital instruments.
Subaru said that the mid-size electric SUV that will debut in June would be the same size as the Subaru Forester. The electric SUV will be based on the E-TNGA platform that Toyota announced along with its mid-sized electric SUV in December last year.
Speaking to autonews.com 2019, Kazuhiro Abe, Senior Vice President – Product Planning, Subaru, has said that the Subaru EV will have dimensions similar to the Forester or Toyota RAV4.
The Subaru Forester is 182.1 inches long, 71.5 inches wide, and 67.5 inches (without roof rails) / 68.1 inches (with roof rails). The Toyota RAV4 is 180.9 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 67.0 inches high.
Based on the EV platform, the Subaru Evoltis must have a longer wheelbase than the Subaru Forester (105.1 inches).
Toyota and Subaru have agreed to develop the BEV SUV segment C for sale with their own badges. The reason Subaru borrowed Toyota’s technical resources for Evoltis rather than develop it on its own was that it wanted to keep investment and risk low, Tomomi Nakamura, Representative Director, President, and CEO, of Subaru, said this in an interview with autonews.com.
He suggested that the project be driven by law and market demand, stating that the upcoming electric SUV is a compliance car to comply with California emissions regulations.
It has been selling various hybrid EVs for many years now and some pure EVs recently. Toyota has expertise in electrification that Subaru does not have.
Toyota may have contributed to the development of the platform because of its better knowledge of electrification. Subaru will leverage its strengths in areas such as all-wheel drive and control.
2022 Subaru Evoltis Design
The Evoltis is not just a renamed Toyota. It will have its own individual design and character compared to the Toyota BEV SUV on which it is based.
At a technology briefing on January 20, 2020, in Japan, Subaru showed off its life-size concept that sees what a Subaru electric SUV looks like. The concept features a crossover-like body with sharply designed panels in compact packaging that inspired us to render the production model in grey and blue.
Subaru Evoltis will embark on a new design for the brand with the evolution of the “Dynamic x Solid” design language. The design will express a dynamic and strong feeling.
Some features such as extended body armor (first noted in the 2019 Viziv Adrenaline Concept) will make it familiar with Subaru vehicles.
Last month, TopElectricSUV.com found a patented image of the concept version of the same Subaru electric car launched in January last year. The black and white photo offers the clearest view of the body lines, angles, and concept proportions expected to spawn the most radical Subaru model launched in history.
Production and unveiling of Subaru Evoltis
Mid-size electric SUV manufacturer Toyota will be conducted at the ‘Toyota ZEV Factory’ in Japan, and Subaru’s mid-size electric SUV should also be launched from that plant.
In December 2020, Subaru confirmed that it would launch a medium-sized electric SUV on the same platform as Toyota in the first half of 2021.
This model was supposed to be a rumored Subaru Evoltis and a sister car from Toyota’s mid-size electric. SUV (Toyota BZ3X) was announced in the same month.
2022 Subaru Evoltis USA Release Date
Subaru is concerned about the impact of California’s state ban on new gasoline and diesel vehicles on its sales, according to a report from jp.reuters.com. “We cannot easily change the policy so that we will continue with our roadmap,” Nakamura said (translated) in October 2020.
He added that a Subaru electric car developed in conjunction with Toyota would “work well.” Expect the launch of the first Subaru E.V. in the U.S. to take place in 2022.
Evoltis could be a game-changing model for Subaru, allowing it to change its brand image with higher quality and more advanced technology not offered on existing models.
Subaru has announced that it will focus on U.S. customers and prioritize quality improvement, both of which should get Evolti’s special attention during its development.
Subaru plans to offer vehicles with hybrid powertrain technology and new pure electricity in North America before other regions, and thus, will probably launch Evoltis in the U.S. market first.
The company will continue to launch new vehicles designed for U.S. customers from the start. According to the new announcement, these models, including the rumored Subaru Evoltis, will come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for safety, connected car technology, and AI-enabled technology.
