Subaru’s 2028 Plan To Build Its Own EVs Without Toyota Just Got Pushed Back By America

  • Subaru is delaying its first real in-house EVs as American demand cools.
  • Up to four self-developed electric models have lost their 2028 launch window.
  • A new Oizumi plant built for EVs will open, building gas and hybrids instead.

Subaru’s electric future just got a lot less electric. The Japanese brand has confirmed it’s delaying the launch of its next wave of in-house EVs after demand for battery-powered vehicles cooled sharply in the US, its biggest market.

The automaker had planned to roll out up to four independently developed electric vehicles and build them at a new factory in Japan in 2028. Now, the Oizumi plant will start life producing gasoline and hybrid models instead, with EV production pushed further down the road.

More: Subaru Keeps Trademarking ACX STI, And The Coupe Rumors Keep Getting Louder

Subaru hasn’t said exactly when those delayed EVs might finally arrive. According to comments made by Subaru CEO Atsushi Osaki and reported by industry media, the company wants to keep watching market conditions before locking in new launch timing.

“In the US, our key market, the pace of BEV adoption has slowed due in part to the easing of environmental policies,” Osaki admitted in comments published by Automotive News.

“Given this, the timing of our BEV market introduction will be pushed back. We want to begin a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire strategy, including which models to bring to market.”

That’s a major shift for a company that previously aimed for EVs to account for half its global sales by 2030. Subaru’s planned battery factory project with Panasonic could also face delays as the company reassesses how much money it really wants to pour into EV development.

Current EVs Are Selling, But There’s An Asterisk

Subaru’s 2028 Plan To Build Its Own EVs Without Toyota Just Got Pushed Back By America

For now, Subaru’s electric lineup still relies heavily on its tie-up with Toyota. The MY26 Solterra (above) shares its bones with Toyota’s bZ, while newer models like the Uncharted (below) and Trailseeker were also developed through the partnership.

Ironically, Subaru’s EV sales aren’t exactly collapsing in the US, despite America getting the blame for this latest U-turn. Registrations for the Solterra climbed in North America earlier this year. The bigger issue seems to be profitability. Subaru’s been relying on hefty incentives to move EV inventory, something the brand usually avoids.

At the same time, weakening EV demand and changing US policies have many automakers rethinking aggressive electrification plans. Subaru now joins a growing list of brands, including Honda, GM, and Stellantis, that are dialing back ambitious EV schedules in favor of hybrids and combustion-powered models buyers actually want to purchase.

Subaru’s 2028 Plan To Build Its Own EVs Without Toyota Just Got Pushed Back By America

Subaru


The Auto World

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

This German 911 Looks Straight Out Of 1973 But It’s Hiding A Big Secret

Image
Ruehle’s F97 puts a modern 997 twist on the backdated 911 formula. The 2005-based F97 looks like a ’73 RSR but runs a water-cooled heart. All-steel US-legal builds start at $400K, undercutting Singer’s prices. Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen so many G-series 911 and 964 restomods that there must only be about three standard cars left in the world, which is why the backdated 911 you see here really caught our attention. Because this one isn’t based on a 1980s or ’90s Porsche at all. It starts with a newer model that’s quietly slipped from the spotlight, despite being one of the most balanced 911s ever made. More: Reverse Restomod Takes 2008 Ford Mustang Back To 1969 And The Shelby GT The reverse restomod is called the F97, built by German outfit called Reuhle , which now also operates an American branch in Montclair, California. 997 Bones Underneath Like many other companies making backdated 911s , Reuhle’s car takes major inspiration from the classic 1973 Ca...
Read more

Only 69 Of These 10.4-Liter V8 Camaros Exist And They’re Just As Naughty As That Sounds

Image
The 2023 COPO Camaro delivers 1,004 hp from a 10.4-liter V8. This beast can sprint down the quarter-mile in under 8 seconds. When it was new, these cars set back owners around $130,000. When you think of modern performance cars with truly colossal engines, your mind probably drifts toward the Dodge Viper with its 8.4-liter V10 or the Bugatti Chiron and its 8.0-liter W16. Yet not long ago, Chevrolet quietly built a limited run of Camaros whose engines made even those giants look restrained. More: This Forgotten 1,000-Mile Oldsmobile V8 Sedan Took On Lexus And Lost The car in question is the 2023 COPO Camaro , of which just 69 examples were produced. These models were available with a choice of three V8s: a 427 cubic-inch (6.9-liter) V8, a supercharged 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liter), and a monstrous 632 cubic-inch V8, which translates to 10.4 liters. In January, Mecum Auctions will be selling one of the COPO models equipped with this flagship engine. How Big Is Too Big...
Read more

Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

Image
Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026. Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad. More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segmen...
Read more