Subaru has entered into a partnership with Panasonic to collaborate on the development of electric vehicle batteries, indicating the automobile manufacturer’s ambitious efforts to transition towards electrification. This collaboration is driven by Subaru’s interest in Panasonic’s high-capacity cylindrical batteries, which will be incorporated into the production of new electric vehicle models.
Despite its delayed entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market, Subaru is preparing to make significant strides in electrifying its vehicle fleet. By 2030, the company aims to increase its battery electric vehicle (BEV) share to 50%, potentially resulting in around 600,000 out of 1.2 million new vehicles being electric.
If Subaru’s ambitious goal materialises, it will evolve from being a relative newcomer in the EV space to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles to meet the needs of future customers. This groundbreaking partnership with Panasonic sets the stage for Subaru’s pioneering efforts in the field of electric mobility.
As automotive manufacturers like Subaru transition towards electrification, the shift towards electric vehicles is advantageous not only for individual drivers but also for the environment. According to a report from the NRDC, the annual average cost of powering an electric car is approximately £363, a significant contrast to the £839 spent on fueling a petrol-powered vehicle. In addition to saving consumers money, the increased production of EVs by companies such as Subaru will lead to enhanced affordability and accessibility in the long term.
Furthermore, the proliferation of electric vehicles will contribute to reducing pollution from the transportation sector, which currently accounts for a substantial 28% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom. As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, the overall carbon footprint from transportation is projected to decrease significantly, fostering a more sustainable environment.
Subaru’s commitment to embracing eco-friendly initiatives is not an isolated effort, as other industry leaders have also embarked on similar ventures. General Motors and Ford, for example, have recently adopted Tesla’s EV chargers, allowing non-Tesla electric cars to utilize Tesla’s Superchargers, thereby expanding accessibility to charging stations for EV drivers.
Moreover, the momentum towards sustainable energy solutions is growing globally. In a forward-thinking move, Queensland, Australia has begun providing rebates to customers who purchase the Tesla PowerWall, an integrated battery system designed to streamline the management of on-site solar panels.
In a joint statement issued upon the signing of the basic cooperative agreement, both Subaru and Panasonic reiterated their unwavering commitment to addressing various societal challenges, including the realization of a carbon-neutral society, promoting sustainable growth in the automotive and battery sectors, supporting local employment, and nurturing human resources.
The convergence of Subaru and Panasonic’s expertise represents a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and promoting sustainable practices within the automotive industry. This exciting collaboration paves the way for a future that is not only environmentally conscious but also technologically advanced, ultimately benefiting consumers, the economy, and the planet.