Does Subaru use a special battery?
In brief: Subaru does not rely on a unique, Subaru-branded battery. Its electrified lineup uses battery packs sourced through established partnerships—hybrid models from Toyota’s hybrid systems, and the all-electric Solterra built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform with a battery pack supplied by Toyota/Panasonic collaborators.
Context: Subaru and Toyota’s electrification partnership
Subaru’s approach to electrification has been shaped by its long-running collaboration with Toyota. Since 2008, the two brands have shared technology to bring hybrids and, more recently, electric vehicles to market. The Solterra, Subaru’s first fully electric model, is developed on Toyota’s e-TNGA architecture, reflecting how the battery and powertrain are integrated across both brands rather than being a Subaru-only, proprietary solution.
Shared platforms and suppliers
The partnership extends to battery sourcing and cell technology for BEVs. In practice, this means Subaru’s electric and hybrid programs draw on Toyota’s supply network, including Primearth EV Energy (a Toyota-Panasonic venture) for battery modules and Panasonic for cell production where applicable. This alignment keeps Subaru’s battery tech within a broader, industry-standard ecosystem rather than a standalone, in-house chemistry.
Battery sourcing by model
Below is a snapshot of how battery technology is applied across Subaru’s lineup, with emphasis on the two main categories: hybrids and all-electric.
- Hybrid models (for example, the Crosstrek Hybrid): Use Toyota’s hybrid system, with a compact battery integrated into the powertrain. The battery chemistry has varied over time and regions, typically favoring nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) in older Toyota hybrids and lithium-ion in newer designs. Subaru itself does not offer a unique, Subaru-only battery pack.
- All-electric models (Solterra): Built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the Solterra uses a lithium-ion battery pack around 71.4 kWh gross capacity. The cells are supplied by Panasonic and packaged through Primearth EV Energy, a Toyota-Panasonic joint venture. This package is shared with Toyota’s bZ4X family, underscoring the close alignment between the two brands.
- Global context: Across markets, Subaru’s electrified offerings follow Toyota’s platform and supplier framework. There is no separate, Subaru-exclusive battery program or chemistry for the core lineup.
In summary, Subaru’s electrified vehicles do not rely on a stand-alone, proprietary battery. Instead, they leverage a collaborative battery ecosystem forged with Toyota and its partners to deliver hybrids and BEVs.
Additional notes on Subaru’s battery approach
Beyond the main traction battery, Subaru-comparable systems also rely on conventional 12-volt batteries for vehicle electronics across its models. There is no indication of a distinct, uniquely branded Subaru 12-volt or traction battery that would set the brand apart in chemistry or cell design from industry-standard practice.
Summary
Subaru does not publish or market a proprietary “Subaru battery.” Its electrified vehicles are built within Toyota’s electrification framework: hybrids use Toyota’s hybrid batteries (chemistry variants depending on model and year), and the Solterra EV uses a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion pack developed for Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, with cells from Panasonic and assembly via Primearth EV Energy. The arrangement underscores a strategic partnership rather than an in-house battery program, reflecting Subaru’s path to broader electrification through collaboration.
