The automotive industry is steadily moving toward electrification, but not all manufacturers are fully committed to electric vehicles (EVs). Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are exploring multiple technologies to achieve carbon neutrality. Recently, these three brands came together at the “Multipathway Workshop” to discuss their shared vision.
You may wonder why Subaru, known for its boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), is hesitant to fully embrace EVs. The answer lies in maintaining their unique identity. However, Subaru has found a way to keep the beloved boxer engine alive through hybrid technology.
Subaru’s Electrification Journey
Understanding Subaru’s journey towards electrification helps you appreciate their commitment. Unlike Toyota, which has been producing hybrids since 1997, Subaru’s efforts have been more modest. Initially, Subaru’s hybrids were introduced mainly for compliance, with little impact on fuel economy or performance.
Subaru’s First Hybrid Efforts
The first-generation Crosstrek Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with an electric motor. This setup offered a modest increase in power and fuel efficiency. However, the small 0.55 kWh battery limited its ability to run purely on electric power, making it difficult to achieve the claimed fuel economy figures.
Despite these limitations, the Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru’s initial steps into hybrid technology. The e-Boxer drivetrain, used in other markets, also offered minimal gains in performance and efficiency, showing that Subaru’s early hybridization was more about compliance than innovation.
A Step Forward with Crosstrek PHEV
The second-generation Crosstrek PHEV brought a more advanced hybrid system borrowed from the Prius Prime. Although it offered improved fuel economy and an all-electric range of 17 miles, it still faced limitations. Smaller fuel tanks to accommodate the power control unit (PCU) offset the benefits, and the PHEV was sold only in select states, highlighting its role as a compliance car.
Introducing the Next-Generation Boxer Hybrid
Presently, Subaru is taking charge genuinely with their next-generation boxer half-breed drivetrain. Not at all like past frameworks, the unused half-breed setup will be a series-parallel cross-breed framework, compared to Toyota’s approach. The up-and-coming Forester will be one of the primary models to include this progressed cross-breed innovation.
This unused framework guarantees to hold Subaru’s trademark highlights, counting the symmetrical AWD format, guaranteeing amazing dealing with and execution. The PCU’s migration to the motor cove permits for way better vehicle bundling, tending to the past issue of decreased fuel tank measures. This setup points to upgrade fuel productivity and drive execution essentially.
Toyota’s Impact
Subaru’s association with Toyota plays a significant part in this progression. By leveraging Toyota’s half-breed innovation, Subaru can keep up the boxer engine’s significance while progressing fuel productivity and execution. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both brands to a multi-pathway approach to carbon nonpartisanship.
The Future of Subaru’s Boxer Engine
Much appreciated by this imaginative crossover methodology, Subaru can keep its famous boxer motor lively while expanding emanations directions. The modern half-breed drivetrain is anticipated to address the fuel productivity concerns related to Subaru’s current motors and AWD frameworks.
You’ll be able to look forward to owning a Subaru that gives the finest of both universes:
the particular boxer motor and Symmetrical AWD framework, presently with progressed fuel economy. Subaru’s Chief Innovation Officer, Tetsuo Fujiniki, recognizes the challenges but remains committed to improving the boxer motor for future eras.
Subaru’s travel toward Zap could be a confirmation of their commitment to protecting their interesting character while adjusting to changing times. The unused cross-breed innovation guarantees to provide way better fuel economy and execution, guaranteeing that Subaru’s boxer motor remains significant and cherished for a long time to come.
