It seems like most auto manufacturers are doing some sort of hustle. They want to point to each of their models and say it’s electric! But the Subaru Forester EV might not join the party for a while. But why is the Subaru Forester EV so far behind?

Where is the Subaru Forester EV? 

According to Torque News, the Subaru Forester EV could be in Shanghai, Japan. There could a few clues about the new Subaru all-electric SUV at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. But apparently, the electric SUV could be a few years away. 

Subaru has teamed up with Toyota to build a new battery-electric SUV that’s similar in size to the Subaru Forester, and Toyota will reveal the concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. However, Subaru said in December that their new SUV would make its debut within the next five years. 

Five years feels like forever in vehicle time. But maybe Toyota can help. Toyota now has a 20-percent stake in Subaru Corporation. As a result, Subaru gets to tap into their resources to build the new EV. 

What do we know about the Forester EV? 

While we may learn more about the new Subaru Forester EV or similar concept next month, we still have a little information to go on right now. The new Subaru all-electric model will be built on the Toyota e-TNGA platform. 

It’s base on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The EV will be an SUV that’s designed to compete against battery-powered rivals like the Telsa Model Y and Volkswagen ID4.  

This Toyota platform is pretty diverse. It can accommodate various options, including the three-row Subaru Ascent, sporty Subaru WRX sedan, smaller crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek, and compact options like the Subaru Impreza. 

The Forester EV may support rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive. But it’s expected to have a front-wheel-drive structure with one motor. Then an AWD variant with two motors will be offered as well. Also, battery sizes may range between 50 to 100 kWh. 

The new Subaru EV will be created to underpin battery-electric vehicles in the United States being offered in Europe, Asia, and other global markets. This is fine. I’ll gladly test the Subaru Forester EV for them! 

What about the Subaru Forester Hybrid? 

While we won’t see the Subaru Forester EV for a few more years, we can take a look at the Forester Hybrid. Yes, there is a Forester e-boxer hybrid, but unfortunately, we can’t have it yet. It’s currently only being offered in Japan, Australia, and Europe. 

According to Torque News, it’s not in North America because we don’t need it. The gas-powered 2021 Subaru Forester is the best-selling model in its lineup over here in the states. But Subaru will have an electrified lineup that includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models by the middle of the 2030 decade. 

So, don’t hold your breath. We may not see new electric options for a while. But for what it’s worth, the hybrid Forester gets an EPA estimated 35 mpg and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 11.2 seconds. It’s a little slow and steady, and wind noise enters the cabin at highway speeds but has responsive handling.