Subaru will start testing its R1e electric car this summer for potential use in the United States, it said Thursday at the New York auto show.
The R1e is based on Subaru’s minicar, the R1, which it sells in Japan. The electric version uses lithium ion batteries and a 40-kilowatt motor to reach speeds of 65 mph. It has a range of 50 miles, and can be “quick charged” to 80 percent capacity in 15 minutes.
The New York Power Authority will use two of the R1es this summer, and Subaru will evaluate the results as it considers the next step in its electric program. The automaker developed the electric cars with help from the Tokyo Electric Power Co, which has been using them since 2006.
There are 40 R1e vehicles in use in Japan, and Subaru expects to add another 100 for test marketing in 2009.
The vehicle’s batteries are expected to have a lifespan of 10 years and 100,000 miles.
Subaru is considering marketing the two-seater as an urban commuter.
