Introduction

Under the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), Subaru is an automobile manufacturing division known for its boxer engines in most of their vehicles. This company is a multifaceted equipment manufacturer that develops a range of innovative products. A product based on reliable technology is the edge of this company, a technology born out of ingenuity by its highly-qualified team and unfailing enthusiasm to create high-performance electric cars. It’s no wonder that Subaru became a household name with no sweat at all. One step at a time the company is slowly moving towards better and efficient electric vehicles.

An electric car that offers individuality and flexibility is what you can find in each Subaru’s electric cars. The company has been playing a major role in the automotive industry and unveiling their latest electric car technology will surely make some waves in the market today. Supporting the future of this planet and the next generation is the goal of this EV as it takes this company to the 21^st century. Subaru will surely change the view of the world for electric cars, because each vehicle is designed to be fuel-efficient, zero carbon emission, stylish and fun to drive. All these features will solve all fuel concerns as well as the environment. Convenience and comfort is what makes every Subaru’s vehicle apart from any electric vehicles. By taking control of the vehicle’s lifecycle, Subaru is very optimistic with the car’s success.

So if you are wondering where the name Subaru came from then let’s go back to the time when Mr. Kenji Kita, Subaru’s president is still looking for the best name for his company. He believes that if that if the company wants to build cars then why not build a full-pledge car that the company will be proud of. He was in fact very passionate about their first prototype, the 1954 P-1. After a lot of canvassing for the name Mr. Kita decided to name his company, Subaru. The company’s name is the name of a star cluster in the Taurus constellation. About 250 bluish stars can be seen using a telescope but only six are visible to the naked eye. Subaru means “to govern” or “to gather”; a beautiful Japanese name that truly describes the company.

Subaru Stella Electric Car

The combination of safety, exceptional durability and environmental friendliness are just a few features of Subaru Stella. The 170 Stella EV is armed with a smaller battery at 9.2 kWh, the battery can yield a nominal range of just 55 miles. Its comfortable interior offers a great ride though its torquey electric motor can accelerate off the line quickly. It can get to 40mph in just four quick seconds. This mini car has a maximum speed of 60 mph to keep the batteries from overheating and it can be up and running again for a quick charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes. But the car can be charge in full for 5 hours at a 200 volt AC outlet.

The company plans of selling 170 units of the Stella electric vehicles and has employed the prototype R1e into its body frame. The Stella has given an exceptional packaging and superb utility function to meet all the drivers’ expectations and needs. Soon, the company is going to unveil the latest Subaru Plug-in Stella Concept, a perfect EV concept that can reach a top speed of 100 km/h. The concept has a range of 80 km from a single charge. It features a well-built Stella platform that uses a 40-kilowatt electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. This four-seat car is sold first in Japan and its powertrain offers a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour and a range of 50 miles.

The Stella Concept was built to test the vehicle with more realistic interior space than the previous model, R1e. Five of the Stella Concept will be used at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako summit in July which can surely test the concept’s power and reliability. The other concept will be used by the Japan Post group to deliver mails around Toyako, a real-world test similar to R1e’s that were sent to the New York Power Authority.

Subaru R1e

Subaru has been involved in the development of low emission cars and the all new Subaru R1e is another masterpiece of the company. Being in the hybrid business since the mid-1990 with a lot of trial and error projects, Subaru manage to develop a huge progress in terms of its lithium ion batteries. The Subaru R1e is a battery-electric microcar that sports a lithium ion battery. The vehicle was jointly developed by Tokyo Electric Power which is still undergoing a series of development and testing. Suited for urban environment, the Subaru R1e offers zero emissions when driving and offers one quiet ride.

This Subaru R1e is a prototype that features two-door, two-seat based upon the Subaru R1 gasoline vehicle. Its high-performance battery was developed in cooperation with NEC with a recharging capacity of 80 percent in just eight minutes. Using a special rapid charger, the R1e can recharge anywhere. Full charge will take around eight hours using a standard 100V plug. Its well-built battery can last in 144,000-plus miles (240,000 km) or at least 10 years. Its high-density lithium-ion battery can be charged and discharge as quickly as possible. Installed in a compact electric car, the super slick battery is strategically place in the car’s body frame like it wasn’t there. Also, charging this VE will no longer a problem for 150 fast-charge stations will be installed around the city of Tokyo for easy access. Road test of this vehicle started in June 2006 with the help of Japan’s leading power company, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).

Because of its amazing contribution to the environment, the Subaru R1e is a recipient of an award from Japan’s Minister of the Environment. Even the mother company was awarded in the ‘2006 Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activity’, an amazing achievement for Fiji Heavy Industries and Subaru Automobile.