Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Fuji Heavy), a Japan-based manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, has introduced new Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV), which is equipped with a high-performance lithium-ion battery. The model will be sold in Japan directly through the company. Delivery will start from late July 2009 and around 170 units of delivery in total will be planned in fiscal 2010. After-sales services will be provided through some Subaru dealerships designated by the company.

The Subaru Plug-in STELLA was developed based on the Subaru STELLA mini car. It combines the EV system with the compact and light body, which offers an adequate and convenient means of transportation for daily commuting. It also achieves 90km range of driving featuring the appropriate number of batteries required for city driving.

The EV can be re-charged up to 80% of its capacity in 15 minutes using the quick charging system, whereas it’s also fully rechargeable in 8 hours with AC100V household power outlet or 5 hours with AC200V. The car not only offers zero CO2 emissions during driving but also reduced level of CO2 produced in the process of electric generation, compared to the petrol engine vehicle’s emissions level. The Subaru Plug-in STELLA’s new mobility combines utility, practical driving range and environmental friendliness.

The electric motor of the EV, mounted in the engine room, generates 47kW of maximum power output. The Subaru Plug-in STELLA offers powerful and smooth acceleration, making full use of the advantages of the electric motor. It generates maximum torque from the start. It also recovers inertia energy in deceleration through a regeneration system, which further enhances the energy efficiency.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Subaru Plug-in STELLA is JPY4,725,000 (including consumption tax). It was approved by the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center as a vehicle whose users are offered a subsidy of JPY1,380,000 at a maximum. Additional tax reduction will also be expected due to measures conducted by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Fuji Heavy pursues the integration of a pleasant and reliable driving with environmental considerations in its vehicle development philosophy. In its efforts to constantly enhance its current power unit line-up, Fuji Heavy positions the EVs as one of the viable solutions and key technologies for environmental preservation, and it will further research and develop its EVs.