Toyota, Subaru to develop battery EVs

Coming to plug near you: Subaru and Toyota electric SUV

TOYOTA will supply its electrification technologies, Subaru will bring to the table (all right, production line) its all-wheel drive system; this is basically the deal between the two carmakers as they announced a joint project to develop a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform for midsized and large vehicles.

Toyota and Subaru disclosed they will also develop a C-segment-class BEV SUV, which each company would sell under its own brand.

The two companies said the platform to be developed can be applied to multiple vehicle types, including C-segment and D-segment sedans and SUVs, as well as some other derivative vehicle models.

Toyota and Subaru added they “intend to take up the challenge of creating attractive products with appeal that only BEVs can offer.” The companies said they need to respond “with a sense of speed” in addressing connectivity, autonomous or assisted driving, new mobility or car-sharing programs, and electrified powertrains and components.

Toyota and Subaru have been cooperating in development, production and sales initiatives. Among these are its joint development of the rear-wheel drive Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ in 2012, and the start of sales in the US of Subaru’s Crosstrek Hybrid PHEV, which uses Toyota’s HEV technologies.