Subaru Solterra to get option of full-size spare wheel

The 2024 Subaru Solterra will soon have the option of a full-size spare wheel as the Japanese brand looks to leverage the all-wheel drive capability of its all-new mid-size electric SUV.

Subaru’s first EV was released this week in two model variants –the entry-level Solterra AWD and the better-equipped Touring – and each gets a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel.

But Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read says a full-size spare wheel option is on the way as a genuine accessory.

“There will be an accessory offering for a spare tyre that will be available for customers who want to go that bit further or who are more adventurous,” said Read.

Subaru Australia has continued to offer spare wheels across most models – including some space-savers – when rival brands have reverted to cheaper solutions; even the BRZ sports coupe comes with a spare that takes up a sizeable chunk of the boot space, but can be left at home for emergency use.

And the company believes a spare wheel is an important option to offer even in the Solterra, especially considering the company is trying to position the EV newcomer as a cut above its mid-size SUV rivals when it comes to off-road capability.

The spare wheel will be able to be carried in two locations, each of which involves compromises. It would either eat into the Solterra’s 410 litres of luggage space or be mounted to the tow bar, extending the length of the vehicle.

Still, Subaru is forecasting a high take-up rate for the Solterra spare wheel in Australia.

“We think there will be 30 to 40 per cent of customers potentially [who choose the spare wheel option],” said Read.

A spare wheel could also become more important for Subaru as it looks to expand the Solterra range to eventually include a more off-road focussed Wilderness model.

While the Solterra Wilderness hasn’t yet been announced, Read says he is confident it will eventually be sold in Australia.

Spare wheels on EVs are rare, with most manufacturers struggling to find space for them alongside the battery pack that typically fills most of the underside of the vehicle.

The only electric passenger car or SUV that currently offers a spare is the Hyundai Kona, which gets a space-saver.

The Ford E-Transit, LDV eDeliver7 and LDV eDeliver9 commercial vans each have a full-size spare wheel.

EV market leader Tesla offers a tyre replacement and repair service that allows owners to call for 24-7 support for a replacement wheel in the event of a puncture.

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