Subaru R1e

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This article or section contains information about a concept automobile.

It is likely to contain information of a speculative nature, but such speculation is usually sourced from the automotive news media, the automaker's media press releases, or other news sources. Concept cars, or similar evolutionary vehicles based on them, may never see production. The content and specifications for those selected for continuation may change significantly as the concept evolves, or as production nears if it is launched, and as more information becomes available. Concept automobiles, and their derivatives if any, are subject to delays or cancellation by the automaker.

The Subaru R1e is Subaru's prototype for a possible production battery-electric microcar.

The prototype is a two-door, four seat vehicle based upon the Subaru R1 gasoline vehicle. This vehicle has received intense interest from electric vehicle fans owing to its modern battery technology, appropriate size, and potential performance attributes. It is currently undergoing testing while serving as company vehicles for the Tokyo Electric Power company.

The car uses a lithium-ion battery which was developed in cooperation with NEC and can be recharged to 80% capacity in fifteen minutes using a special rapid charger, or to 100% charge in eight hours on a standard 100V plug. The current prototype has a range of 50 miles (80km) before it needs a charge. Top speed is 62 mph (100 km/h) and battery life is at least 10 years or 144,000-plus miles (240K km). Tokyo Electric Power company plans on producing 150 fast-charge stations to support an estimated 3,000 electric cars within 5 years.[1][2]