Subaru announces the Stella electric concept car

The Stella concept has an electric power train.

(Credit: Subaru)

Subaru announced today a follow-up to its R1e electric minicar, a bigger electric car built on its Stella platform. The Stella is a four-seat car sold in Japan, narrow but tall. The electric Stella concept uses a 40-kilowatt electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. This powertrain gives it a maximum speed of 62 miles per hour and a range of 50 miles.

Subaru built the electric Stella concept to test out a car with more practical interior space than the R1e. Five of the Stella concepts will be used at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako summit in July, while one will be used by the Japan Post Group to deliver mail around Toyako. This real-world test is similar to the deal Subaru made to provide two R1es to the New York Power Authority.