Subaru’s electric R1e takes to the road in New York
After being launched at the New York Auto Show on Thursday 20 March, Subaru will begin real-world testing of its R1e electric vehicle in the US under care of the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The vehicles won Subaru the 2006 Commendation for Global Warming Prevention Activity award from the Japanese government.
The R1e, referred to in the media as either a 2 seater or 2+2 seater in mould of the Toyota iQ, is an electrically powered hatchback meant for city driving. Driven by a 40 kW @ 6,000rpm electric motor, it is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery cell. The engine is an AC permanent magnet synchronised motor while the batteries are designed in a layered format which should allow for simple recycling at the end of their ten year life span.
What sets this electric runabout apart from other similar city cars is its ability to quickly recharge. A charge to 80% capacity can be done in just 15 minutes, while a full charge can take up to eight hours. This, all at a cost of around $2 – compared to around $4 per US gallon of gasoline these days.
Sadly, the R1e is not meant to be a tourer. With a top speed of only 100km/h and a range of 85km, it will only be suited to city driving. However, its 870kg body and compact dimensions make this task a breeze.
Subaru aims to lease the battery technology, developed in cooperation with Tokyo Electric Power Company and NEC Lamilion Energy Limited, to other automotive manufacturers in the future.
Relevance for South Africa: Not much at present. With large-scale hybrid vehicle roll-out still years away in South Africa, full electric propulsion is still at least a decade into the future. In addition, Subaru is still a small player in the domestic market, making a daring release in a developing market almost impossible.
Sources: Motor Trend, Edmunds, DueMotori, Easier Motoring
Pictures courtesy of Electrifying Times
By Christie Viljoen
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