Subaru R1e

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title: "Subaru R1e" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["production-electric-cars", "electric-city-cars", "electric-concept-cars", "subaru-vehicles", "subaru-concept-vehicles"] topic_path: "general/production-electric-cars" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_R1e" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox automobile"]

FieldValue
nameSubaru R1e
captionR1e at NYIAS 2008
manufacturerFuji Heavy Industries
body_style3-door hatch
engine
motor40 kW
batterylaminated manganese lithium-ion
electric_range80 km
wheelbase
length3285 mm
width1475 mm
height1510 mm
weight
successorSubaru G4e
spus
::

| name =Subaru R1e | image = | caption =R1e at NYIAS 2008 | manufacturer =Fuji Heavy Industries | aka = | production = | model_years = | assembly = | designer = | class = | body_style = 3-door hatch | layout = | platform = | related = | engine = | motor = 40 kW | drivetrain = | battery = laminated manganese lithium-ion | range = | electric_range =80 km | charging = | transmission = | propulsion = | wheelbase = | length = 3285 mm | width = 1475 mm | height = 1510 mm | weight = | predecessor = | successor =Subaru G4e | sp = us The Subaru R1e was a battery-electric microcar produced by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), first shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. The concept was jointly developed to prototype form with Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), the giant Japanese utility company. At least 40 prototypes were built by FHI and tested by TEPCO and the New York Power Authority. The vehicle had a range of 50 mi and a top speed of 62 mph.

History

The 2003 concept vehicle was a three-door hatchback with 2+2 seating. The later R1 Japanese-market micro shared the styling and chassis with the R1e and was exhibited as a prototype at the 2004 Tokyo Motor Show, one year after the R1e concept. The R1 adopted a "one-motion form" with "a flowing eggshell shape" that "effectively absorb[ed] crash impact". It was styled with the same grille as the 1st generation B9 Tribeca, which had been introduced earlier in 2003 as a signature corporate look on the B11S concept vehicle. The R1e would go on to be exhibited at Geneva in early 2004 before Subaru announced the R1 micro would enter regular production for 2005 as a conventionally-powered gasoline vehicle.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Subaru_R1e_TEPCO_modified_in_Tokyo_Motor_Show_2007.jpg" caption="Subaru R1e"] ::

In 2005, FHI and TEPCO announced a joint project to develop ten prototype vehicles based on the R1e concept. Under the agreement, FHI was responsible for vehicle production and monitoring performance under daily use to optimize cost, battery capacity, and vehicle weight. TEPCO was responsible for developing a rapid electric charger. The performance goals were for a daily driving range of 80 km and a charger capable of restoring the battery to 80% of full capacity within fifteen minutes. Compared with the concept, the prototypes had their seats reduced to 2. Prototypes were manufactured at the Subaru Technical Research Center in Mitaka, Tokyo, and were scheduled to be delivered to TEPCO between October 2005 and March 2006. The delivered prototypes received intense interest from electric vehicle fans owing to their modern lithium-ion battery technology, appropriate size, and potential performance attributes.

The R1e was exhibited at Detroit in January 2006, billed as "the ideal ecology car" and touting its use of a lithium-ion battery pack, featuring rapid charging and low maintenance. FHI, TEPCO, and NEC Lamilion Energy (NLE) jointly received an award from the Ministry of the Environment in November 2006 for the development of the R1e. In February 2007, Subaru announced its intent to market the R1e as a city commuting car.

Subaru would go on to release the electric concept G4e at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2007 as a follow-up to the R1e with an improved battery, range, and bolder styling. By February 2008, TEPCO was using 40 R1e electric vehicles commercially, and Subaru announced that 100 R1e vehicles would be test marketed in Japan during 2009. Two R1e electric vehicles were adopted into the New York Power Authority fleet in March 2008. The R1e's propulsion design and experience were incorporated into a plug-in Stella prototype exhibited in June 2008, and FHI announced plans to test-market electric Stella vehicles during the upcoming 2009 fiscal year.

Technical

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/R1e-motor.jpg" caption="R1e underhood detail"] ::

The R1e used a laminated lithium-ion battery which was developed by NLE, a joint venture established by FHI with NEC. The design goal was for 80 km of city driving range using a designed capacity of 8 kW-hr with a top speed of 100 kph, and a battery life goal of retaining at least 80% of initial capacity after seven years or 70000 km.

Measured performance of the battery pack included a recharge capability to 80% capacity in eight minutes with a special rapid charger using 200 V, or to 100% charge in eight hours on a standard 100 V plug. Battery life is at least 10 years or 130000 mi.

TEPCO planned on producing 150 fast-charge stations.

References

References

  1. (2007-02-07). "Subaru R1e Electric Switch Debut in Geneva". Worldcarfans.com.
  2. (2003). "Booth Guide: Subaru". Tokyo Motor Show.
  3. (2 September 2005). "Fuji Heavy Industries and Tokyo Electric Power Begin Joint Development of Electric Vehicles". Subaru Corporation.
  4. "subaru-r1e-electric-car". Greencarsite.co.uk.
  5. (14 October 2004). "Exhibition outline of the 38th Tokyo Motor Show for Commercial & Barrier - free Vehicles". Subaru Corporation.
  6. (24 December 2004). "Fuji Heavy Industries Introduces the Subaru R1, an All-New Mini Car". Fuji Heavy Industries.
  7. (12 February 2004). "Exhibition outlines of the 74th Geneva International Motor Show". Subaru Corporation.
  8. (10 January 2006). "Exhibition outlines of The 2006 North American International Auto Show". Subaru Corporation.
  9. (20 November 2006). "富士重工業、電気自動車の開発が評価され、東京電力、ＮＥＣラミリオンエナジーと共同で、「平成18年度地球温暖化防止活動環境大臣表彰」を受賞". Subaru Corporation.
  10. (8 February 2007). "Exhibition Outlines of the 77th Geneva International Motor Show". Subaru Corporation.
  11. Erin Riches. (2008-08-08). "Subaru G4e Concept - 2007 Tokyo Auto Show". [[Edmunds.com]].
  12. (8 February 2008). "Exhibition Outlines of the 78th Geneva International Motor Show". Subaru Corporation.
  13. (20 March 2008). "Subaru to evaluate quick charge electric car with New York Power Authority". Subaru Corporation.
  14. Chang, Richard S.. (22 March 2008). "A Tiny Electric Visitor". The New York Times.
  15. (16 April 2009). "FHI Developed Subaru Plug-in STELLA Prototype and will provide 15 units to the Ministry of the Environment, Japan". Subaru Corporation.
  16. (14 May 2002). "NEC and FHI to Establish Joint Venture to Develop a Rechargeable Battery for Automobiles". Subaru Corporation.
  17. (2007-01-11). "Subaru News | | Subaru wins top environmental commendation". Easier.com.

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