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(Mon 30 Jun 08) Although you wouldn't think it from the company's activities in the UK, Subaru is heavily involved in developing electric vehicles.
The latest example to be announced is the Plug-In Stella Concept. This car looks like the production Stella, a city car sold in Japan, but it uses the same technology as the R1e which won Japan's 2006 Commendation For Global Warming Prevention Activity award. The important thing about this technology is that it involves high-density lithium-ion batteries which can be charged very quickly - a full charge takes eight hours, but an 80% charge can be achieved in just 15 minutes. The batteries are also expected to be able to last for ten years. Top speed is 62mph and the Stella is capable of running for 50 miles on a full charge. Four of the Stella concepts will be used to transport VIPs at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit next week (July 7-9). A fifth will be on display at the summit's Environmental Showcase, and will be available for test driving, while a sixth will be loaned to the Japan Post Group for mail collections and deliveries in the area during the period of the summit. Subaru Gallery Previous: Petrol For Citroen C-Crosser Next: Toyota Verso SR Upgraded |
