Electric Subaru Stella poised to leap over ankle-high sales target
To paraphrase Pamela Anderson (I believe that's a first for ABG), "It's great being a plug-in Stella - with such low sales expectations it's easy to impress." So, extremely impressed we are that the kei-sized city electric is poised to clobber its underwhelming sales target of 100 units set for it by Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru. The early interest is pouring in from fleet customers like Takeda Pharmaceuticals, who have ordered up 50 copies for themselves.
Who else is interested in a lithium battery-powered car, capable of recharging 85 percent of its 50-mile range in 15 minutes? The Japanese Post office is mulling adding more to their current fleet of one and Car Sharing Japan Co. has shown interest. There are also regional government entities eager to show off their "environmental friendliness" in queue alongside members of the public. The car should go on sale in Japan this summer.
[Source: Green Car Congress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 12:02PM (2/17/2009)
The speed and range of this thing would be nice to know.
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Domenick Yoney 12:08PM (2/17/2009)
Top speed is 60 mph. Range, as stated in the article, is 50 miles.
jharlan 1:00PM (2/17/2009)
Thanks, Dominik, I read what I could find and this is a big improvement over a golf cart with lights. This is a practical EV, and @ $20k it's tempting. With any improvements in electrical storage that could extend the range a little, and with government incentives, I don't see much competition for it at the moment. City commuters could save enough to make it compelling. This is encouraging, but where are the US competitors? 2011 will be too late.
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Phil L. 1:39PM (2/17/2009)
But: Can it pass crash tests and other regulatory hurdles in the US?
If not, it would be saddled with the NEV designation. Which means it would make no sense to sell in the States...
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Domenick Yoney 2:09PM (2/17/2009)
The Stella hasn't completed any US crash testing as far as I know. So far the company has only talked about Japanese sales. The electric drivetrain installed in it is also used in the R1e, a couple copies of which have been tested in Manhattan. http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/17/breaking-subaru-expanding-r1e-pilot-program-to-ny/
There's no official word on if and when it will be sold here.
Personally, I'd pay close attention to the left-hand drive version of the MiEV about to be shown in Geneva. I strongly suspect that will make it here. Finally.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/12/geneva-preview-mitsubishi-to-show-prototype-of-global-imiev-con/
jeffzekas 2:34PM (2/17/2009)
Obama should exempt electric vehicles and Kei cars from US regulations. Coupled with a $1 - $2 petrol tax (to be used for High Speed Rail, alternative energy, and green automobile development) the USA could have energy independence in five years... and the Subie Stella? Attention, Fuji Heavy Industries: Give the Stella a hybrid motor and all-wheel drive!
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BoomBoom 9:37AM (2/18/2009)
Stella!!!!!
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