Subaru is among a small group of automakers setting a casual pace in the global race for electric vehicles, and seem to be satisfied to let other R&D departments perfect the technology while consumer demand slowly merges with accelerating emissions mandates.
Later this year, the company plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its Crosstrek SUV, combining gas engines with electric motors. Currently, Subarus all run exclusively on internal combustion engines, and a fully electric car is still years away.
“If we put one out now, we’re goig to be competing in the teeth of the market with everybody else,” Subaru Corp. U.S. Chief Executive Officer Tom Doll explained in an interview. “This way, we can let them kind of sort it out, then we can come in. I’d rather be last in, and get it right, than be first in and destroy my brand image and reputation.”
Read the article at Bloomberg.