Subaru e-Boxer is our new generation power unit which has been engineered to drive our first hybrid models. Powered by e-Boxer the vehicles feature an electric motor and high voltage battery, combined with a Boxer petrol engine to deliver a totally new driving experience. Subaru e-Boxer operates across 3 different driving modes, that work in synergy with our famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for a performance that has to be experienced. e-Boxer takes ‘what makes a Subaru, a Subaru’ to the next level – and into the future.
'Hybrid Electric Vehicle' (HEV) draws power from a combination of sources, usually an internal combustion engine combined with an electric motor. It’s a great driving option which offers a midpoint between a conventional, engine-equipped vehicle and a full 'Battery Electric Vehicle' (BEV).
These vehicles are driven by Subaru e-Boxer – a 'mild hybrid' system that uses electric power (from a compact lithium-ion battery and electric motor) to assist the regular internal combustion engine. To maximise the vehicle’s capabilities, Motor Assist technology is used to deliver improved acceleration especially during light-load driving and starting from a stop, where the electric motor excels. This provides a strong and steady performance, while delivering the benefits of improved fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions (based on testing conducted in accordance with the Australian Design Rules (ADR’s).
With Subaru e-boxer our hybrids deliver improved acceleration, especially during light-load driving and starting from a stop, where the electric motor excels. This provides a more enjoyable, strong performance while also delivering improved fuel economy and reduced vehicle emissions (based on testing conducted in accordance with the Australian Design Rules (ADR’s)). The Subaru Hybrid e-Boxer drivetrain all comes intelligently packaged, without altering the cabin and cargo space. The result is a vehicle with the same comfort as a petrol-only vehicle with the added benefits afforded by hybrid technology.
There are three common Hybrid Vehicle Types –
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
In mild hybrid vehicles – like the Subaru Forester and XV – the engine is the main power source, with the relatively small battery/electric motor assisting in certain driving situations, like starting from a stop or at low speeds. The main function of the electric motor is assistance, most MHEVs do not run on electric motor power alone (although some mild hybrids can).
*Subaru Hybrid e-Boxer models are capable of electric-only driving in certain driving conditions.
Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Equipped with a large-capacity, high-performance battery and electric motor, full hybrids can also run on electric power alone. They draw power from the engine and electric motor as required depending on driving conditions.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
PHEVs operate in a similar way to a full hybrid but with additional battery capacity for more extended electric-only driving range and the option to charge the battery using an external power source. PHEVs can be plugged into a charging station or household power supply and operate on electric-only driving for ranges greater than full hybrids.
Subaru engineers have carefully designed our hybrid system with the battery and other electrical components neatly positioned under the cargo floor, all without compromising the cargo space, height or versatility. The hybrid components have also been strategically placed to retain a low centre of gravity and to achieve optimal front/rear vehicle weight distribution for excellent handling and stability.
Yes, unlike some competitors, Subaru Hybrid e-Boxer vehicles always run in full Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, even during electric-only driving. That’s why Subaru delivers total peace of mind.
For safety reasons e-Boxer vehicles emit an electronically produced sound to alert pedestrians and nearby vehicles of their proximity. This alert operates at speeds of up to 24km/h when in electric-only driving mode.
Subaru’s hybrid vehicles are designed to automatically select the best driving mode for the driving conditions. The sophisticated control unit determines the optimum mode by assessing the driving situation, conditions and driver input. So there is no manual switch to change between modes.
Regenerative braking is a mechanism that automatically recharges the battery while the vehicle is slowing. When you decelerate or brake, kinetic energy from the vehicle’s movement is captured and used to recharge the battery. Delivering the efficiency of a hybrid without ever having to plug it in.
Under normal driving use, replacement of the high voltage lithium ion battery should not be required in the first 8 years or 160,000km. However, the battery will naturally lose capacity over time and the way it's used. For peace of mind, the lithium-ion battery is covered by an 8 year/160,000km manufacturer’s warranty, details of which can be found in the Warranty and Service Handbook. To help maintain battery condition. We also recommend driving the vehicle at least once a month for 30 minutes or more.
Subaru e-Boxer vehicles can generally be used just like a petrol-only vehicle. All of the high-voltage components, such as the converter and inverter, are safely packaged and covered under the cargo floor to prevent accidental touching. Please be careful not to touch the parts inside the cover, including the service plug. Should it ever be required, you can jump start your hybrid by connecting the booster cables to the auxiliary battery in the engine bay. Be sure to carefully follow the directions set out in the Owner’s Manual. Do not connect the cables to the restart battery terminals (marked on the red cap), as this will not start the e-Boxer system. Due to risk of serious or life-threatening injury, please do not touch any of the high-voltage components or cables. High-voltage components can be identified by bright orange casing.
A certain level of waterproofing has been installed in the vehicles to protect the lithium-ion battery and hybrid system components located in the cargo area under normal circumstances and use. To maintain this protection, please make sure you only use the vehicle with the cargo floor board installed. It is particularly important to avoid getting large amounts of water in the cargo area, to prevent electric shocks and/or system malfunction.
Just like petrol-only vehicles, the engine can be jump started by connecting booster cables to the auxiliary battery in the engine bay. Please follow the Owner’s Manual instructions when doing this. Do not connect the cables to the restart battery terminals (marked on the red cap), as this will not start the e-Boxer system.
Yes, you can by using booster cables. Just be sure to connect the cables to the auxiliary battery – and not the restart battery. Please consult the Owner’s Manual prior to your attempt.
Due to risk of serious or life-threatening injury, please do not touch any of the high-voltage components or cables. High-voltage components can be identified by bright orange casing. Also, never touch a leaking battery.
Subaru Corporation Japan does not have an official calculation method, so it’s not possible to provide a combined figure that would be meaningful to drivers.
Depending on the condition of the vehicle’s high voltage lithium-ion battery, e-Boxer hybrids can travel from a few hundred metres up to 1.6km in electric only mode. However please note that electric-only power is only available under certain driving conditions up to a maximum of 40km/per hour.
These hybrid vehicles represent the start of Subaru’s journey as we transition into the new world of electrified powertrains. The Subaru factory has committed to a number of timelines which will see Subaru progressing toward the release of increasingly efficient hybrid and full electric powertrains over time, while at the same time maintaining Subaru’s strict design and engineering standards.
The introduction of our hybrid SUVs is just the beginning and you can expect to see increasing use of new electrified powertrains across the range in the not too distant future.
At this point Subaru is launching the Hybrid e-Boxer variant in the Forester and XV models only.
While we are committed to bringing this technology to market, we are also committed to taking time to ensure it is up to Subaru’s standard. Manufacture and release dates also depend on factory considerations and Subaru Japan has committed to a definite timeframe and target for minimum volume sales in both hybrid and electric by 2030.
Due to the electric components and battery system being securely positioned below the cargo floor, the amount of available space is restricted. However, owners will have the benefit of a practical and effective tyre repair kit in lieu of the spare tyre. The repair kit is easier to remove from the vehicle and will not require the car to be jacked up.
The good news is that the features Subaru owners love about our vehicles will only be enhanced by the incorporation of electric and hybrid powertrains. The positioning of these systems within the vehicle design, makes them ideally suited to supporting Subaru’s distinctive symmetry and low centre-of-gravity attributes. Naturally these new technologies will continue to be combined with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology and ongoing safety innovations, such as EyeSight® Driver Assist.