An upgraded version of Subaru’s Plug-in STELLA electric car will be launched in Japan mid-year.
Power is increased by seven Kilowatts to 47 kW, torque is up 20 Newtonmetres to 170 Nm and the body is 50 kilograms lighter.
The sophisticated lithium ion battery pack is smaller and the energy output management refined.
The instrument panel and interior have also been changed.
15 examples of the latest prototype are to be tested by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
They will be used by five prefectural and city governments: four by Kanagawa Prefecture, three each by Aichi Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture, and one each by Yokohama City and Japan Post Service Co., Ltd.
Specifications of the production version are expected to be the same as the latest prototype.
An earlier prototype was previewed recently at Melbourne Motor Show.
Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, jointly developed the earlier Subaru R1e electric vehicle with the Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. in 2006.
Using knowledge gained through the R1e project, FHI successfully developed the original concept version of the Plug-in STELLA in June 2008.
Five were used at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit and by the Japan Post group for mail collection and delivery.
FHI plans to test-market production models of plug-in STELLA from July this year in Japan. Around 170 are planned for delivery during this fiscal year. Pricing is yet to be announced.
Plug-in STELLA updated specifications:
Dimensions: (Length x Width x Height) 3395 mm ×1475 ×1660
Curb weight : 1010 kg
Passenger seating: 4
Max.speed: 100 km/h
Per-charge driving distance: 80 km
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous system
Max. power output: 47 kW
Max. torque: 170 Nm
Drive-train: Front-wheel drive
Battery type: Lithium-ion batteries
Total voltage: 346 V
Total energy: 9 kWh
About Subaru
Every Subaru sold in Australia features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a horizontally opposed boxer engine, standard Vehicle Dynamics Control electronic stability program, and a five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The result – driving confidence.