Subaru is planning to forge its own path on electric vehicles. Electrek reports that the Japanese brand is testing its own technology for its next-generation EVs, breaking away from its longstanding partnership with Toyota. The headline says the next EV will be smarter, more efficient and less like a Toyota.
Subaru and Toyota have worked closely for years, sharing platforms and co-developing models, including electric vehicles that are very similar in design. Many customers and critics have said that those cars lack distinctive character. A move to its own technology suggests that Subaru wants to restore the individuality of its models, which are known for all-wheel drive, ruggedness and practical design.
I have only seen the headline and summary, so I do not know what technology Subaru is developing, whether it concerns batteries, motors, software or a platform, or when the new model will arrive. Developing independent technology is expensive, particularly for a smaller carmaker, so the company must balance its desire for independence with costs and risks. The partnership with Toyota may continue in some areas.
For buyers, the change may mean more differentiated products in the future, but it could also mean delays if development takes longer. Electric vehicle competition is intense, with new low-priced models arriving, such as Volkswagen's ID. Cross from about $31,000, and Toyota planning an electric Corolla made in China from 2028. Watch for official announcements and prototype sightings from Subaru, and check reviews carefully when new EVs are released. Existing Subaru owners should not expect any change to their current cars, since the shift concerns future models.
