The all-new Solterra is Subaru's first EV attempt. However, with a paltry 220 miles of range, what are the charging options availble to buyers?
The all-new Subaru Solterra is the automaker's first attempt at developing a production EV, leaving prospective buyers wondering about the available charging options. The 2023 Solterra offers off-road performance and other features thanks to the manufacturer's quality engineering and design sense. The Japanese automaker has finally joined the bandwagon of EV manufacturers with its interesting flagship model. Subaru worked with Toyota to develop the all-new Solterra, drawing design ideas from the latter’s pioneer EV, the bZ4X.
Aside from providing drivers with a better experience and helping them to save money on gas and vehicle maintenance, another benefit of EVs is the convenience of charging. Instead of driving to the nearest gas station, EVs are designed for home charging and public charging. Charging an EV is similar to charging a smartphone, though EVs come with bigger batteries and require much more electricity.
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Powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine and equipped with a battery pack, the 2023 Subaru Solterra is just like any other EV on the market today. While EVs are a great way to tackle carbon emissions, how many options does Subaru’s first all-electric SUV offer users? Subaru claims that the Solterra EV supports up to three levels of chargers depending on the driver’s preference. This means that the Solterra can be charged at home or at a charging station strategically located in public places like hotels and grocery stores. Most EVs are built to be compatible with up to three levels of charging called Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 or DC Fast Charging. The Level 1 charger is typically found in homes and is rated at 120 volts. While this is the easiest option, it's quite slow and is best used overnight. Level 2 chargers are often located at public charging stations, while the DC fast charger is capable of replenishing more than half of the EV’s battery within 30 minutes.
Buying an EV may qualify one for a tax rebate, but charging accessibility is a key factor in determining whether a particular EV is fit for purchase. The Solterra offers an estimated driving range of up to 220 miles, meaning that charging will become necessary once a day. At home, drivers can plug the Level 1 (120V) charger into the wall outlet and charge overnight. This is the slowest method of charging. However, users can cut down on the charging time by installing a Level 2 (240V) charger at home. Level 2 chargers can also be used at public charging stations. While Level 1 chargers are standard accessories for the Solterra, drivers will need to spend extra dollars to acquire a Level 2 charger.
Most EVs come with unique technologies that enable drivers to locate the nearest charging station whether at home or on the go. DC fast chargers will work with the Solterra and these are typically found in selected charging stations. Charging times aren't the same for all Solterra EVs, with the type of charging system, battery condition, and temperature determining how long a charge will take. As part of efforts to make charging accessible, Subaru partnered with EVgo charging network to enable drivers to conveniently charge their Solterras at any of the over 46,000 stations. Drivers can also access EVgo’s network of DC fast chargers which can charge the Subaru Solterra to 80 percent within an hour.
Next: Subaru Solterra Range: How Far Can It Go On A Single Charge?
Michael Akuchie is a freelance content writer with 2 year's worth of experience. His writings cover the Customer Experience, HR Tech, Digital Transformation, and Automobile industries. He's also an Anime enthusiast, with Naruto and AOT being his two all-time best Anime shows.