Subaru shared a new video teasing the Solterra on YouTube. Theres a few closeups of what we can expect from the Solterra's design.
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2023 Subaru Solterra Teaser Video
Watched the video. Very excited. I will be honest, I had written off the Solterra and was looking at the VW ID4 AWD, but I'm not sure I trust (or want to trust) VW after their role in the Dieselgate scandal. It seems like VW's have a propensity for electrical problems/glitches after a few years of ownership. But, I've never owned a VW, so this could be as cliché as the "head gaskets" on a Subaru thing.
That being said, I am curious as to the price point. I've seen some conflict reports of it being offered "around $40k" both after and before federal tax incentives. I could probably handle "after" the Federal Tax Credit so long as there was a state credit that could help drop it down a little more.
I have been doing research regarding charging stations nearby. Fortunately, Electrify America (which unfortunately is a VW subsidiary) is within walking distance of my house, between 1/2 and 3/4 of a mile? It's located at a nearby shopping mall where I usually frequent for groceries anyway. I have zero issues with me using the EA to supplement my 120V charging I have outside my house currently.
As I've said in some other threads, my commute is either 10 miles through a stop-and-go city or a 20 mile ride on a mostly 55-65mph toll highway. Obviously, the city part is annoying, but I would be accepting of that commute to save the tolls as well as the energy from braking.
I kind of like the styling, it's reminiscent of a larger version of a Crosstrek, but without the wagoney caboose of the Outback. I love my Outback, but I have come to the point where I am looking to stop my emissions and do my part to prevent "unnatural" climate change. I also very rarely take advantage of the whole cargo area the Outback has. My wife drives a 3-row SUV, so my car has proven to be largely a commuter for me, and a kid-to-sports/school hauler outside of work in suburban driving environments. Any time we travel as a family with the kids, we're taking her car. While I do occasionally take a longer trip if my work schedule prohibits us from taking a single car, it isn't so far that it would require additional stops for charging. Worst case scenario, during the summer, I am looking at a 50-mile commute each way, and again, with my research, I have various charging locations nearby if I don't want to charge at my destination. According to Electrify America, a 10-minute charge would replenish my entire commute if I was in a pinch.
And, in my opinion, I think the infrastructure is going to get better and better as this is certainly the future in one form or another. Maybe not Lithium Ion batteries, but electric nonetheless. I have EA networks on the way to/from this summer destination as well. I am not the slightest bit concerned over my range. As we adapt as a culture, I also believe we will shift to more renewable energy sourcing to negate the argument that "coal is powering our EVs anyway"
I am just hoping for an AWD EV with Outback/Crosstrek/Forester comparable levels of ground clearance for snow, and around 250-300 miles of range at its peak. I'm willing to deal with a battery replacement every 10 years if I had to. It's not like I'm spending money on oil changes, brake pads (as often), or the other stuff associated with a combustion car.
Here's hoping this is a huge success. I hope to be a part of it. While I recognize that an Outback form factor EV would probably be my ideal car, I do think that people have to at least start in this direction. My goal is that I can buy this EV next year and have it last me until, minimum, when an Outback EV is offered in the 2030's.
Looking forward to more information and a pre-launch event. I would drive up to 90 minutes each direction to see it in person if I had to.
That being said, I am curious as to the price point. I've seen some conflict reports of it being offered "around $40k" both after and before federal tax incentives. I could probably handle "after" the Federal Tax Credit so long as there was a state credit that could help drop it down a little more.
I have been doing research regarding charging stations nearby. Fortunately, Electrify America (which unfortunately is a VW subsidiary) is within walking distance of my house, between 1/2 and 3/4 of a mile? It's located at a nearby shopping mall where I usually frequent for groceries anyway. I have zero issues with me using the EA to supplement my 120V charging I have outside my house currently.
As I've said in some other threads, my commute is either 10 miles through a stop-and-go city or a 20 mile ride on a mostly 55-65mph toll highway. Obviously, the city part is annoying, but I would be accepting of that commute to save the tolls as well as the energy from braking.
I kind of like the styling, it's reminiscent of a larger version of a Crosstrek, but without the wagoney caboose of the Outback. I love my Outback, but I have come to the point where I am looking to stop my emissions and do my part to prevent "unnatural" climate change. I also very rarely take advantage of the whole cargo area the Outback has. My wife drives a 3-row SUV, so my car has proven to be largely a commuter for me, and a kid-to-sports/school hauler outside of work in suburban driving environments. Any time we travel as a family with the kids, we're taking her car. While I do occasionally take a longer trip if my work schedule prohibits us from taking a single car, it isn't so far that it would require additional stops for charging. Worst case scenario, during the summer, I am looking at a 50-mile commute each way, and again, with my research, I have various charging locations nearby if I don't want to charge at my destination. According to Electrify America, a 10-minute charge would replenish my entire commute if I was in a pinch.
And, in my opinion, I think the infrastructure is going to get better and better as this is certainly the future in one form or another. Maybe not Lithium Ion batteries, but electric nonetheless. I have EA networks on the way to/from this summer destination as well. I am not the slightest bit concerned over my range. As we adapt as a culture, I also believe we will shift to more renewable energy sourcing to negate the argument that "coal is powering our EVs anyway"
I am just hoping for an AWD EV with Outback/Crosstrek/Forester comparable levels of ground clearance for snow, and around 250-300 miles of range at its peak. I'm willing to deal with a battery replacement every 10 years if I had to. It's not like I'm spending money on oil changes, brake pads (as often), or the other stuff associated with a combustion car.
Here's hoping this is a huge success. I hope to be a part of it. While I recognize that an Outback form factor EV would probably be my ideal car, I do think that people have to at least start in this direction. My goal is that I can buy this EV next year and have it last me until, minimum, when an Outback EV is offered in the 2030's.
Looking forward to more information and a pre-launch event. I would drive up to 90 minutes each direction to see it in person if I had to.
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I am not exactly stoked at another Toyabaru twin like the gt86/BRZ. I understand the why..... Especially with the Supra/Z4. But at least those two were completely distinguishable from each other.
Hope the Solterra differences is more than simple badging, exterior wise. And for the love of all things bacon. Ditch the piano black interior panels which we all know scratch by just looking at it.
Hope the Solterra differences is more than simple badging, exterior wise. And for the love of all things bacon. Ditch the piano black interior panels which we all know scratch by just looking at it.
Yeah, no argument here about the piano black. But, having lived with my Onyx for a year, it’s not as bad as I thought from all the reviews.
Hard to tell from the interior photos, but it looks like many functions will be touch capacitive instead of touch screen on the infotainment. I’m fine with that. While not a fan of losing tactile feedback, I do recognize that is the direction the industry is moving.
Regarding the exterior, I was expecting a more funky angular look like a CHR or Prius Prime, so that’s why I am happier. Again, I genuinely don’t mind the wagon form factor of my Outback, but that’s not on the menu right now.
Hopefully Subaru will find some more ways to make it “their own” going forward. I'd like to see them "square" off the back at the expense of aerodynamics to allow for more cargo.
Hard to tell from the interior photos, but it looks like many functions will be touch capacitive instead of touch screen on the infotainment. I’m fine with that. While not a fan of losing tactile feedback, I do recognize that is the direction the industry is moving.
Regarding the exterior, I was expecting a more funky angular look like a CHR or Prius Prime, so that’s why I am happier. Again, I genuinely don’t mind the wagon form factor of my Outback, but that’s not on the menu right now.
Hopefully Subaru will find some more ways to make it “their own” going forward. I'd like to see them "square" off the back at the expense of aerodynamics to allow for more cargo.
I have been casually following EVs and the whole charging thing around range anxiety and EV network access other than Tesla Supercharger network and it seems the EA network still has a long way to go to be a reliable network. They still have what appear to be issues that should by now have been corrected, from authorizing of charging, identifying the vehicle, up to date status of working/not working/full of their EV locations etc.
Looked at Tesla very briefly a few years back and decided their engineering philosophy and design is not for me... I like to have well fitted panels and a more conventional style, never mind the whole post-purchase experience of getting something fixed that may be something small to something big just seems to be too much of a hassle to me.
Not saying that buying a conventional auto manufacturer EV could be any different, but it seems the likelihood of fit/finish issues and missing components/parts is going to be smaller and the network of dealers that should be able to help correct it to be easier to deal with.
Of course, teething issues are going to be there at the start - that's probably why Subaru is looking at a limited release for the Solterra, from what i have heard... I am in Texas, not exactly the friendliest of states to EVs, but am hoping Subaru releases the Solterra here soon after.
I look almost daily for any new news about the Solterra and was glad to see we have another Subaru forum i could join to help wait it out.
I am most interested in seeing just exactly how big/small the interior space is... i know its going to be Rav4 sized, but thats gotten quite a size bump over the years so we will see...
Looked at Tesla very briefly a few years back and decided their engineering philosophy and design is not for me... I like to have well fitted panels and a more conventional style, never mind the whole post-purchase experience of getting something fixed that may be something small to something big just seems to be too much of a hassle to me.
Not saying that buying a conventional auto manufacturer EV could be any different, but it seems the likelihood of fit/finish issues and missing components/parts is going to be smaller and the network of dealers that should be able to help correct it to be easier to deal with.
Of course, teething issues are going to be there at the start - that's probably why Subaru is looking at a limited release for the Solterra, from what i have heard... I am in Texas, not exactly the friendliest of states to EVs, but am hoping Subaru releases the Solterra here soon after.
I look almost daily for any new news about the Solterra and was glad to see we have another Subaru forum i could join to help wait it out.
I am most interested in seeing just exactly how big/small the interior space is... i know its going to be Rav4 sized, but thats gotten quite a size bump over the years so we will see...
Yes, much will depend on specifications for me also. I need to be able to hold my kids and our sports stuff in the back. The Forester was occasionally a tight fit after putting in my survival bag/roadside emergency stuff, bag of soccer balls, baseball bats, etc. It fills up quick, but not completely filled (on my Outback)...
I am willing to accept some issues from time to time. I'm willing to accept a 10-year battery, so be it. Subaru has proven itself to me over the last 15 years I've owned them. They've reimbursed me for headlight bulbs after they noticed a trend in them blowing out too early. That's the kind of automaker I want to rally behind.
I am willing to accept some issues from time to time. I'm willing to accept a 10-year battery, so be it. Subaru has proven itself to me over the last 15 years I've owned them. They've reimbursed me for headlight bulbs after they noticed a trend in them blowing out too early. That's the kind of automaker I want to rally behind.
I was unaware of the LA auto show reveal. Waiting...
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