In Japan, people are familiar with Subaru’s tiny R1 two-plus-two gasoline-powered car. Some also have seen the 40 R1e experimental electric versions of it on the road since 2006. They were developed with the Tokyo Electric Power Company. In addition to plans to triple the rolling research project in Japan in 2009, Subaru used the 2008 New York auto show to announce it is providing two R1es to the New York Power Authority for evaluation starting this summer.
What is cool about the cars is they use fast-charge lithium-ion battery technology that allows for partial charges without decreasing the battery life. The R1e has a top speed of 65 mph and a range of 50 miles.
The battery can be charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes—a full charge can be done overnight in a standard household electrical outlet. A typical charge costs about $2, the automaker says. Subaru says the life of the battery is 10 years or 100,000 miles.
