Subaru Unveiling Plug-in Electric Version of Stella Minicar

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and its subsidiary Subaru have developed an electric version of the Stella minicar designed for the Japanese market. The Stella plug-in is featured as an official transport and mail delivery vehicle for organizers of the G8 Summit in Japan. This electrical vehicle is the product of testing by Fuji and its partner Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc. that has been running since June 2006.

The original Stella was marketed to younger consumers in Japan with a small frame, 54 miles per gallon fuel efficiency and customizable colors. Subaru is keeping the four-seat interior of the Stella to prevent excess strain on the electrical motor. The reason why Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is blending elements of the older vehicle with its innovative electric drive is the desire to create a new generation of Japanese vehicles. It is likely that the vehicle’s popularity at the G8 Summit and advances in production technology could help the Stella plug-in reach showrooms in a few years.

Subaru’s spokespeople have claimed that the Stella prototype can travel up to 50 miles per complete charge. The Stella features a 346V lithium ion battery that is mixed with fast-charge technology to ensure quick charges for busy professionals. The prototype’s electric drive can be recharged up to 80% capacity in 15 minutes to help late risers plug their vehicles into outlets, have breakfast and get to work on time. The Stella plug-in electric will be marketed to Japanese consumers who may be willing to except the vehicle’s maximum speed of 62 miles per hour.

The plug-in version of the Stella will succeed in Japan and small pockets elsewhere due to Subaru’s commitment to product consistency. The electric drive in this minicar is the same technology used in the Subaru R1e that is further along the development chain than the Stella. Japanese consumers that have driven in the conventional version of the Stella will not need to adjust for new seating, dashboard design and other interior elements. The only question is whether Fuji’s fast-charge technology will live up to the hype presented by its proponents. This one element will make or break the Subaru Stella during its conversion into a greener vehicle.