The maker of Subaru automobiles, Fuji Heavy Industries, has announced that development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle has been a success.
The car is scheduled to be introduced in Japan this summer with the company providing the Ministry of the Environment with 15 units for a verification test which will be conducted by five prefectural and city governments.
The new prototype Subaru Plug-in STELLA boasts improved driving performance thanks to increases in power compared to its predecessor from 40kW to 47kW. Its efficiency has also been boosted thanks to a lighter body weight and the downsizing of the battery pack design. Its specifications are set to match those of an electric vehicle to be introduced by the company this summer.
Fuji Heavy Industries has also been looking into lithium-ion battery technology after the success of the Subaru R1e. The company hopes to test market production electric vehicles from July this year in Japan with around 170 units to be delivered during the fiscal year.
The firm hopes it will be the perfect combination of environmental considerations and a pleasant, reliable driving system. FHI now hopes to position itself as one of the leaders in the field.
