Subaru tests in-house EV technology, moving away from Toyota partnership

The short version

• Subaru is developing its own in-house EV technology for next-generation vehicles, breaking from its Toyota partnership.[Electrek]
• The Subaru-Toyota partnership, formed in 2024 to co-develop four electric SUVs each by 2026, was meant to share costs and manufacturing space.[Electrek]
• A camouflaged prototype shown north of Tokyo has all-wheel drive rated at 509 horsepower, and Subaru says its motors are 30% more efficient than the industry average.[Electrek]
• Executives say some of the new technology will begin rolling out around 2029, but no specific launch date was given.[Electrek]

Key facts

• Subaru is testing in-house technology for next-generation EVs, moving away from its Toyota partnership.[Electrek]
• Subaru and Toyota planned in 2024 to co-develop four new electric SUVs each by the end of 2026, including the updated Solterra and bZ4X.[Electrek]
• The partnership was designed to share development costs and manufacturing space to cut costs and speed up development.[Electrek]
• A camouflaged test mule with an all-wheel-drive powertrain has a combined 509 horsepower (380 kW), according to the report.[Electrek]
• The battery pack uses 4,000 cylindrical Panasonic Energy cells and is 24% lighter than the previous pack.[Electrek]
• Subaru is developing an in-house integrated ECU that will support over-the-air updates and its EyeSight driver assistance system, and plans a custom AI chip with Advanced Micro Devices.[Electrek]
• Executives say some of the new technology will begin rolling out around 2029, without a specific launch date.[Electrek]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Subaru’s next EV will be smarter, more efficient, and less like a ToyotaElectrek