Subaru Stella all-electric vehicle goes on sale in Japan

General Motors and Toyota are still years away from launching their own all-electric models but Subaru has be ahead of them. Recently, Subaru Stella has announced that its own eco-friendly Stella electric vehicle (EV) will go on sale in late July in Japan. And Subaru is expecting to sell around 170 units between now and March 31, 2010 – the end of Japan’s next fiscal year.

The new Stella EV, which combines technology from the company’s R1-E prototype with the regular Japan-only Stella platform, is based on the Subaru’s existing Stella mini car. The EV is front-wheel-driven and uses an advanced lithium-ion battery that produces a maximum of 47kW (64hp) and 170Nm of torque. Subaru has run tests on it and found it to be capable of a 90km range when fully charged. In keeping with its urban angle, the Stella has an electronically-limited top speed of 100km/h.

The car’s batteries can be charged up to 80% of its capacity in 15 minutes using a quick charging system, whereas it's also fully rechargeable in eight hours when using a 100V power outlet. The 8 hours can be further reduced to 5 when using an AC200V power outlet.

Emissions are said to be zero while the car also uses an energy recovery system for further efficiencies. The price for the Stella EV is ¥4,725,000 yen or US$49,150 (including consumption tax) and there are other tax benefits and subsidies that are offered to buyers. The Japanese government will be offering a ¥1,380,000 ($14,308) subsidy through its Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center program. On top of that, additional tax reductions are also expected due to special measures conducted by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.