That Subaru R1e caught driving the streets of Manhattan over the weekend foreshadows the expansion the car's field-test program to the United States. Subaru is expected to make a formal announcement within the next hour or so, but we can preview it for you here now. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will receive two R1e vehicles to pilot in the same way the cars are being used in Japan.[...] When connected to a quick-charger station that's also part of the pilot testing, an 80% charge can be achieved in just 15 minutes. When plugged into a standard household outlet, the car will fully recharge in 8 hours or so. Operating range, according to Subaru, is 50 miles and the car boasts a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Full Article
is it 4wd and are the elec motors in boxer designif not.. its not a subaru for real : funny looking car looks the same as the toyota model that is going to come under the toyota aygo.
Specially designed for those who say "my Toyota Yaris is too spacious". That cop in the picture is bigger then the car. It actually looks like a kids Remote Controlled car.
Wow, what is the big deal!? I used to sell/lease the Rav4 EV back in 02 that fully griddable overnight and gave an operating range of 110~120 miles! So technology does advance very slowooly? 50 miles range only ?
We know but they are gone. (well at least from the showrooms) So, NOW, we must wait and see what is next... like that Subaru or the Mitsubushi
65 mph is (just barely) acceptable, but 50 miles of range is only 10 or 15 better than my Xebra, and if they've exaggerated as much as EV makers usually do, then its range may be no better than my Xebra. 75 miles of real driving distance at free way speed is my minimum requirement to trade in my three-legged clown car.
That is pretty cool! At this point any news of EV development from a major manufacturer is good news. The R1 is supposed to be a pretty sweet little car, and in its ICE form at least it does have awd! I would take one of these over a SMART any day As far as the range, of course more would be better. Tesla has proven what new batteries can do, but also how much they cost. One would assume Subaru is trying to take a more practical approach, providing a vehicle that would meet a lot of people needs at a reasonable price. I guess we'll have to wait and see. They are talking commercial production before 2010 so hopefully we won't have to wait too long. Rob
My wife's old commute was 5miles round trip, but part was on the highway. Which left bikes, NEVs, and Xebras out of the question. It's great when they work for you, but for EVs to go mainstream they need have the longer range and higher speed, like you said.
Please be aware that the R1e is designed for city commuter, not for a highway cruiser. Also, it's not a final design and they are doing just a fleet testing including the 50 miles EV range is adequate or not. (cost/performance/space/weight/others) If you like more, Subaru is doing another one. Tokyo Motor Show: Subaru's G4e - lithium batteries, 120+ miles per charge, seats five - AutoblogGreen Ken@Japan
You can buy gasoline Subaru R1 or Mitsubishi i in Japan. SUBARU : 車種紹介 > SUBARU R1 | エクステリア ‚‰ (Æ’AÆ’C) | Å’yŽ©“®ŽÔ | Æ’JÂ[ƒ‰ƒCƒ“ƒAÆ’bÆ’v | MITSUBISHI MOTORS JAPAN Ken@Japan
I didn't see in the article what the top speed or acceleration will be for the G4e, but it looks good. If it's first to market in the U.S., I'll buy it. As I keep saying, first to market with a "real" electric car or decently-configured PHEV gets my money.
I believe the G4e will perform better than the prototype R1e. We'll see the real numbers when the G4e is announced. Ken@Japan
