Subaru plans Down Under debut of EV

Subaru could unveil a version of its Stella minicar electric vehicle (EV) concept in Australia as early as February 2009. At least that's the timetable Subaru Australia boss, Nick senior is talking up.

According to Senior, he's keen to have a proof-of-concept Stella in Australia in time for late February 2009's Melbourne Motor Show. Though the car will not be a production vehicle, it will be drivable and a fully-functioning commuter, if Senior has his way.

Senior confirmed yesterday that Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries is committed to launch customer versions of the Stella EV in the Japanese domestic market next year. He added he is negotiating to secure a Stella for local evaluation.

"Subaru has pledged to be a world leader in electric vehicles. To this end it has the Stella prototype on test in Japan, plus an earlier version, the R1e, in use by both the Tokyo Electric Power Company and the New York Power Authority.

"We'd love to get one to test here in Australia and are working closely with the factory to make this happen," Senior said.

The Stella EV was unveiled earlier this year ahead of July's G8 Summit in Japan. With room for four (smallish) adults, it has a maximum speed of 100km/h and a range 80km.

According to Senior, on Australia's 240V electric grid its lithium ion battery pack can be fully recharged in around four hours. In addition, Subaru has a high-capacity discharge charging system that promises an 80 per cent recharge in just 15 minutes.

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