Geneva 2008: Subaru wants to be tops in EVs
Click image for hi-res photos of the Subaru's EV display at Geneva
While the Legacy Boxer Diesel was technically the big showpiece for Subaru at Geneva, a glance at the automaker's booth showed that electric vehicles were given equally prominent billing. The R1e was set up alongside the G4e concept that made its debut at last year's Tokyo Motor Show. The R1e is an all-electric variant of the Japan-only R1 microcar. Right now, 40 of the Pokemon-looking EVs are in service with Tokyo Electric Power Co. in Japan, where they're being field-tested by employees. When connected to a quick charger, its battery power can be replenished in just 15 minutes. Fully charged, it has an operating range of around 100 kilometers. Next year, Subaru hopes to increase the test fleet to 100 cars.
The G4e represents Subaru's longer-term goals. Equipped with Li-Ion battery technology, the lightweight 5-door EV concept should offer double the range of the R1e. In his remarks to the assembled media, Fuji Heavy Industries president Ikuo Mori said, "Subaru's goal is to become the leading brand in the electric vehicle market." He then added that the automaker would continue its EV development programs with an eye towards creating the ultimate zero-emissions car for urban commuters. Something like that G4e with a legit 125-mile range would look mighty attractive with oil prices being what they are today.
Gallery: Subaru EVs at Geneva
[Source: Subaru]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark 5:59PM (3/06/2008)
bring these to North America, dammit!
Reply
Rich 6:24PM (3/06/2008)
Mark,
We, in the USA, will never see stuff like this. There seems to be too much money to be made from gas guzzling cars.
Reply
infix 6:35PM (3/06/2008)
The R1e seems to be getting closer to what I want:
* all electric (no hybrid please; don't want the extra weight or maintenance issues - such as having to change oil)
* 2 seats
* room for 2 bags of groceries (at least)
* 60 mile range (sounds like it's got that)
* recharge overnight (check plus)
* 60MPH top speed (?)
* under $20K (?)
Subaru, are you listening: if you bring something like that to market here in the US I WILL BUY IT - and I'm sure I'm not alone.
But will it ever make it to the US. I think most of us in the US who want something like this are getting cynical: it's as if some conspiracy is keeping them away from our market. (not that I'm a conspiracy theorist, but none of the really efficient cars are making their way here)
Reply
GenWaylaid 11:59PM (3/06/2008)
Maybe the thing that's keeping efficient cars from the U.S. market is the customer demand that they cost no more than normal cars despite containing leading-edge technology. Throw in a weak dollar and some griping about Tier2-Bin5, and that pretty much sums up the situation.
Oh yes, and the safety-conscious American consumer also wants the car to withstand the onslaught of a speeding monster truck. The sad thing is that this requirement is driven by real American traffic conditions.
Reply
meme 3:13AM (3/07/2008)
infix:
I'm not getting cynical at all. I have a deposit in for an Aptera Typ-1e. Meets all of your requirements and a lot more, except is $27k, not $20k. Still quite affordable, in my view.
Reply
Tim 8:03AM (3/07/2008)
Looking at the child-like designs of these EVs, it's almost like the car manufacturers are working VERY hard to make absolutely sure that the public does NOT take them seriously.
One would thing that they would naturally run AWAY from the “toy” electric car paradigm.
Reply
mike 9:12PM (3/07/2008)
The R1e looks good, but, what ever happened to that little sports car they were working on? That would make a great hybrid.
Reply