Subaru lifts veil on first EV, the Solterra electric crossover and a Toyota clone

Japanese carmaker Subaru has teased its first electric vehicle, to be known as the Solterra, revealing that it is more or less a clone of the Toyota BZ4X.

It’s a development that is not entirely surprising – Toyota and Subaru announced in 2019 that the two would team up to develop two C-class electric SUVs that would essentially be the same, but with each of the companies’ badges to differentiate them.

That said the differences (and similarities) are worth exploring based on Solterra images – which go all out on connecting the car with its ecologically-minded namesakes, the sun and the earth, in contrast with the more aggressive image cast by the Toyota BZ4X.

First off, the exterior is exactly the same, from the low stance and streamlined body to the aerodynamic lip above the rear window, save for some minor differences: for example, whereas the front indicator on the BZ4X is integrated horizontally, the Solterra gets a more triangular treatment.

Likewise, the rear indicator differs in that two lines of the BZ4X meet on the boot at an angle whereas the Solterra meets on the side of the vehicle in a softer square design.

This softer imagery is echoed in the wheel covers, which maintain same the five-prong design but on the Solterra are wider and rounder.

Inside the Solterra there are also a great deal of similarities shared with the BZ4x. A wide touchscreen that bends down towards the centre cxonsole to meet a central control knob and a secondary touchscreen at the bottom.

And while the BZ4X gets an edgy yoke-style steering wheel (though apparently not in the US), the Solterra gets a more familiar round steering wheel.

The idea behind the companies working together was to leverage their respective strengths: in Toyota’s case, its vehicle electrification experience (which granted, is mainly in hybrid format) and Subaru’s all-wheel-drive know-how.

Whether they have achieved this remains to be seen – detailed specifications have not yet been released, although some have been hinted at such as a “freestyle” D-class sized interior thanks to the electric drivetrain, and of course dual motors for all-wheel drive capability.

Expect more information later in 2021 or early 2022 ahead of a mid-year release.

Subaru’s plan to reduce carbon emissions in its automotive products includes the not terribly ambitious target of at least 40% all-electric or hybrid vehicles by 2030, and then the reduction of all well-to-wheel emissions by 90% compared to 2010 levels by 2050.

Scheduled to go on sale in five major markets including Japan, the US, Canada, Europe and China by mid-2022, Subaru first revealed the name of the Solterra in May.

While Subaru Australia at the time said there was no timeline for the electric Solterra to arrive in Australia, a spokesperson confirmed by email that ” future electric vehicle projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory.”