Subaru is expanding its electric vehicle lineup, with plans to potentially launch a B-segment EV in the future. The Japanese automaker currently offers the Solterra electric SUV, which will soon be joined by the compact Uncharted and the midsize Trailseeker. If these new electric models prove successful, Subaru may venture into even smaller electric vehicles.
In a recent interview with Autocar, Inoue Masahiko, Subaru’s global head of electric cars, hinted at the possibility of introducing a subcompact electric vehicle to meet the diverse expectations of customers. Subaru’s European boss, David Dello Stritto, expressed openness to the idea of a B-segment EV, especially considering the influx of new electric city cars entering the European market, such as the Renault 5 E-Tech and Volkswagen ID.2.
Subaru will closely monitor the performance of the compact Uncharted before making a decision on launching a smaller EV. The company’s focus on larger electric vehicles aligns with its partnership with Toyota, as all current electric Subarus share platforms with the Japanese automaker. Toyota is reportedly working on an electric Yaris, which could serve as the basis for Subaru’s potential B-segment model.
While Subaru contemplates expanding its electric vehicle lineup, Toyota Europe’s Director of Marketing and Product Development, Andrea Carlucci, hinted at the eventual release of an electric Yaris. However, the timing for such a model is not yet confirmed. Subaru may adopt a familiar naming strategy for its B-segment EV, potentially reviving the Justy nameplate for the European market.
In the United States, the demand for smaller electric vehicles remains limited, with few options available in the B-segment category. As automakers prioritize larger electric vehicles for the American market, the likelihood of Subaru introducing a petite city EV in the U.S. is uncertain. The preference for larger vehicles in the U.S., coupled with tariffs and market trends, may pose challenges for Subaru’s entry into the small electric car segment.
Overall, Subaru’s potential foray into the B-segment EV market reflects the evolving landscape of electric vehicles in Europe. As competition grows and consumer preferences shift, Subaru aims to stay ahead of the curve by exploring new opportunities in the electric vehicle space.