Electric Subaru to charge into UK

Could Subaru be going green?

Auto Express Car Reviews

Compact R1e city car has won a green award for hi-tech electric drivetrain

By Ross Pinnock

22nd March 2007

That looks a distinct possibility, after the Japanese company took the wraps off its R1e electric city car at this month’s Geneva Motor Show. It was well received at the Swiss expo, and it’s possible that the award-winning machine could find its way on to British roads in the future.

A spokesman for Subaru told Auto Express: “We’re looking at bringing the R1e to the UK. At the moment we are carrying out a detailed evaluation to see if it’s possible.”

If the project gets the thumbs-up, the two-door city runabout could hit British streets within 12 months. The clever little 2+2 has a 50-mile range and manages a top speed of 62mph. It comes with a high-speed charger which allows the advanced on-board lithium-ion battery to be 80 per cent recharged in only 15 minutes.

Low-volume sales of the car would be targeted at urban areas, and as it’s a zero emissions vehicle, the R1e would be exempt from city congestion charges. The model picked up a prestigious environmental award in Japan earlier this year, and has been developed in conjunction with the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

The R1e will be built in Japan in right-hand-drive form only, and there is no possibility of any left-hookers being produced. That means mainland Europe will miss out on the green machine, but greatly increases the chances of it coming to Britain.