Subaru R1e - Electric Vehicle

Based on Subaru Japanese-market-only micro R1 car, the electric version has a top speed of 100 km/h and utilises thin, high-performance lithium-ion batteries capable of running approximately 80 km on a single charge. 

Subaru designed and manufactured the vehicle and TEPCO developed a high-speed charger. 

In 2007 FHI was awarded the Minister of the Environment2006 Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activity, for its development of the Subaru R1e electric vehicle, in conjunction with TEPCO and NEC Lamilion Energy, Ltd. 

Subaru of America has announced that it will begin evaluating the R1e electric vehicle (EV) in the United States this northern summer.

Based on the Subaru R1 minicar sold in Japan, the R1e was developed by Subaru in partnership with the Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO).

TEPCO has been testing a fleet of R1e electric cars since 2006. As part of a U.S. test program, two of the Subaru R1e electric cars will join the New York Power Authority (NYPA) fleet.

R1e takes on the Big Apple

“This new partnership with the New York Power Authority is further demonstration of Subaru’s ongoing efforts in applying electric car technology in real world situations. Along with our newly introduced diesel powered cars, electric cars are a viable response to our need to improve fuel consumption and carbon output,” said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Subaru of America, Inc.

“The R1e electrical vehicles are designed for city dwellers looking for an environmentally friendly and fun to drive alternative to gas powered cars.”

Roger B. Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority, said: “This joint venture with Subaru builds on the New York Power Authority’s extensive involvement with clean transportation and gives us the opportunity to offer the latest in electric drive technologies to our customers.”

The Subaru R1e employs state-of-the-art, fast-charge lithium ion battery technology that eliminates typical lithium ion battery issues of charge memory loss, allowing partial charges and quick charges that do not decrease battery life. The two-seat Subaru R1e is capable of driving at speeds up to 104 km/h with a range of up to 80 kilometres, making it an ideal urban commuter.

The R1e can be “quick-charged” to 80 percent capacity in only 15 minutes using quickcharge technology. The vehicle can be fully charged overnight (eight hours) while connected to a standard household electrical outlet. The R1e uses an AC permanent magnet synchronized motor producing 40 kW.

“Subaru’s goal is to become the leading brand in the electric vehicle market,” said Ikuo Mori, president, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. “The R1e is an example of today’s cutting edge battery technology, while the Subaru G4e Concept Car shows a glimpse into the future of electric cars.”

There are currently 40 Subaru R1e vehicles in use and Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries will place an additional 100 electric vehicles for test marketing in Japan in 2009. Subaru is focusing on the development of new battery technology for future power train applications. Compared with nickel metal hydride or nickel-hydrogen battery technology, lithium-ion battery technology offers a number of advantages, among them easier packaging, higher power density and better cooling for longer life.

Service life for the high-density lithium-ion battery is estimated at 10 years and 160,000 kilometres, another environmental benefit of Subaru technology. The battery pack is also designed to be easily recycled. The laminated battery packs are flat, rather than cylindrical, offering EV manufacturers wide latitude in vehicle design and packaging. The battery’s basic design and composition consist of laminate, manganese, and lithium ion.

About New York Power Authority
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is the United States largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 2253 circuit-kilometres of transmission.

The combined mileage of all electric vehicles and hybrids that NYPA has ever placed in service for its own operations and in the fleets of its customers now exceeds 13.8 million kilometres.

These vehicles range from electric delivery trucks and airport ground support equipment to hybrid cars and buses serving a wide range of transportation needs and helping to advance New York's clean air initiatives


June 2008 Subaru STELLA 

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, has announced the successful development of its Subaru STELLA concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV).

Read the full press release here






source Subaru global website, Subaru NZ website, Subaru USA website and Subaru Canada website