If there is one automaker seriously lagging in the electrification process, it’s Subaru. The Japanese automaker has only two hybrid models—the Impreza Sport Hybrid (Japan only) and the Crosstrek Hybrid—and neither is particularly remarkable. Now, a new report from Japanese newspaper, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, says that Subaru is planning to market a fully electric vehicle by 2021.
According to the report, which was dug up by Automotive News, Subaru plans to meet this growing demand with a fully electric crossover. Unsurprisingly, this will not be a clean-sheet electric vehicle—instead, it’ll likely be based on the Forester or Outback.
Subaru is expectedly coy about this rumor. According to company spokesperson, Masato Saito, there have been no decisions made about the introduction of an electric all-wheel drive vehicle.
Saito did elaborate on the topic by mentioning that if the automaker did release such a vehicle, it would base it on the new global platform. This new platform is slated to underpin all Subaru models in the future and is scalable to all powertrains, including gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full electric.
Though a full-electric model is not yet official, Subaru has already confirmed it will release a plug-in hybrid to meet new zero-emission regulations that come into play in 2018.
We’ll keep an eye on this developing situation and bring you updates as they become available. Though it may be a while before you can get your hands on an electric Subaru, there are tons of great deals at dealers today. For example, qualified folks can get a 36-month lease on the 2016 Subaru Legacy for just $299 per month and $0 due at signing.
Subaru Developing More Hybrid and Electric Models
Next Subaru Impreza WRX Could Be Plug-In Hybrid
Subaru Sets 2030 Electrification Goals
The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid will be Subaru's First Plug-In Hybrid
Plug-In Hybrid Subaru Could Be Called Evoltis
