Subaru Indonesia Reveals Reasons Not Yet Intensive In Electrification

Subaru Soltera. (Doc. Subaru)

TANGERANG - An automotive manufacturer from Japan, Subaru has not been aggressively active in the global electrification market. This brand only has one EV model called Solterra for the North American, Japanese, European, and other markets.

Thus, this makes the brand with the six star logo look left behind compared to its competitors from Europe and China. However, they have their own reasons.

General Manager Marketing & PR Subaru Indonesia Ismail Ashlan, said that the manufacturer will switch to electrification in 2026 by launching six models, followed by 2028 with the launch of eight models.

"We will not switch to electrification until 2026. But don't get me wrong, the Subaru electrification product will be present as many as four models in 2026, then add eight models in 2028 globally," said Ismail when met by the media at ICE BSD, Tangerang, Monday, July 22.

He assessed that 2026 and 2028 are the right times to launch EVs because they want to present EVs that not only have zero emissions capabilities, but also different driving pleasure.

"Because we want to switch to EV, we want to offer vehicles that still have emotions," added Ismail.

Ismail explained that EVs currently only sell instant torque and long-distance torques without the strong driving sensation and Subaru want their electrification vehicles to have a sense of driving like today's boxer machines.

"Meanwhile, Subaru's characteristics are lag on the boxer engine at 1,000 rpm and the boost comes out at 2,500 rpm, that's part of her emotions. So even though later we have EVs, driving pleasure must be there," said Ismail.

Subaru plans to present the three latest electric SUVs developed by utilizing partnerships with Toyota. The Tokyo-based manufacturer plans to launch its own four EVs by 2028. In addition, they are preparing a hybrid version of the existing product lineup, such as Crosstrack and Forester.