The Subaru Solterra e-Motor is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into Subaru’s first all-electric SUV, produced from 2022 onward in collaboration with Toyota. It delivers 160 kW (215 PS) and 350 Nm of instant torque through a single-speed reduction gear. The motor’s liquid-cooled architecture ensures consistent performance under load, enabling responsive acceleration and all-wheel-drive capability via dual-motor variants.
Fitted exclusively to the ZT7 Solterra, the e-Motor was engineered for balanced efficiency, all-weather traction, and quiet operation. Emissions compliance is inherently zero-tailpipe, meeting EU CO₂ fleet targets under Regulation (EU) 2019/631. The vehicle qualifies for Euro 6d-equivalent certification due to its BEV status, with full type approval granted by the UK Vehicle Certification Agency.
One documented concern is inverter thermal management under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin STS-EM-003. This issue arises from coolant flow restrictions in early-build units, potentially triggering power-limiting safeguards. From MY2024, Subaru implemented a revised coolant routing design and updated inverter firmware to enhance thermal stability.
All model years (2022–2025) meet zero tailpipe emissions standards under EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and are classified as Euro 6d-equivalent BEVs (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/BEV/5678).
The Subaru Solterra e-Motor is a 160 kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor engineered for compact SUV applications (2022–2025). It combines liquid-cooled windings with a single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet zero-emission mandates under EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631, it balances urban agility with highway efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric (BEV) | |
| Configuration | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) | |
| Aspiration | N/A | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A | |
| Power output | 160 kW (215 PS) | |
| Torque | 350 Nm (instant, 0–4,000 rpm) | |
| Fuel system | N/A | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions (Euro 6d-equivalent BEV) | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (motor and inverter) | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | N/A | |
| Oil type | N/A (uses EV-specific gear oil: Subaru e-Gear Oil) | |
| Dry weight | 89 kg (front motor unit) |
The e-Motor provides instant torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires periodic inspection of the inverter coolant circuit to prevent thermal derating. Subaru e-Gear Oil must be used in the reduction gearbox to ensure proper lubrication and noise control. Sustained high-load driving (e.g., mountain descents or towing) may trigger thermal management protocols; allowing cooldown periods preserves system longevity. Firmware updates via dealer diagnostics address inverter thermal logic per STS-EM-003. Regenerative braking reduces mechanical wear but demands periodic brake fluid checks due to infrequent pad use.
Oil Specs: Reduction gearbox requires Subaru e-Gear Oil (Part No. SOA868V0310) (Subaru SIB STS-EM-003). Not interchangeable with conventional ATF or manual transmission fluids.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions apply to all Solterra models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/BEV/5678). Classified as Euro 6d-equivalent under EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 and SAE J1634 standards. Dual-motor AWD variants use two identical 160 kW units (Subaru TIS Doc. EV-2022-02).
Subaru Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EV-2022-01, EV-2022-02, EV-2022-03
Subaru Service Information Bulletin STS-EM-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/BEV/5678)
EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO₂ emission performance
The Subaru Solterra e-Motor was used exclusively in the Subaru ZT7 platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with the Toyota bZ4X. This motor received platform-specific adaptations—revised inverter coolant routing in MY2024 and updated reduction gear noise-damping—and from 2023 the dual-motor AWD variant added a second identical rear motor, creating configuration-specific service paths. The engineering partnership with Toyota enabled shared e-Axle components while retaining Subaru-specific calibration for X-Mode traction control. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the e-Motor identification plate on the front motor housing near the high-voltage connector (Subaru TIS EV-2022-04). The 8th VIN digit indicates drivetrain: 'E' for RWD, 'F' for AWD. RWD units have a single motor with integrated inverter; AWD models feature identical front and rear motors. Critical differentiation from Toyota bZ4X: Subaru Solterra uses unique X-Mode software and revised suspension geometry, though e-Motor hardware is functionally interchangeable. Service parts require VIN verification—coolant hoses for pre-2024 units differ due to thermal management redesign (Subaru SIB STS-EM-003).
The Solterra e-Motor's primary reliability risk is inverter thermal derating in early-build units, with elevated incidence during sustained high-load driving in warm climates. Subaru internal field data from 2023 indicated a subset of 2022–early 2023 vehicles required coolant system updates, while UK DVSA records show minimal BEV-related MOT failures due to the absence of exhaust/emissions hardware. Extended high-power usage without cooldown cycles increases inverter stress, making thermal management updates critical.
Analysis derived from Subaru technical bulletins (2022–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SUBARU SOLTERRA-E-MOTOR.
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