Just a week ago we told you how Subaru is to launch a diesel car in Japan and that it would begin leasing its plug-in STELLA electric vehicle from this summer. Now further details have come to light about the availability of the vehicle.
The model will be sold in Japan directly through Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, the maker of Subaru cars, with delivery beginning at the end of July. Originally around 170 units will be delivered before the end of March 2010.
The production version features a more powerful traction motor than the prototype that was introduced last year at 47kW and 170Nm compared to 40kW and 150Nm. It includes a 9kWh, 346V li-ion battery pack that comprises 16 modules with a range of 56 miles when they are driven in the Japan 10-15 mode cycle.
The electric vehicle can be charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in just 15 minutes with a full recharge taking around five hours from a 200VAC outlet.
The suggested retail price of the car is Y4,725,000 (US $48,000) which includes consumption tax but does not factor in subsidies. It should qualify for a Y1,380,000 subsidy after receiving approval from the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Centre, with additional tax incentives likely to be made available by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
