Subaru Just Killed Off a Clever Powertrain Before It Even Had a Chance in America

Subaru just apparently pulled the plug on one of its powertrains that could really come in handy right now. Japanese media, Nikkei, reports the Fuji Heavy Industries-owned automaker will be pulling its clever mild-hybrid-assisted gasoline-four models in its home market and wherever it was available.

The cancellation comes from Subaru’s executive branch, where management supposedly ended its mild-hybrid program. Instead, the company plans on focusing on more environmentally-friendly powertrains, such as more conventional, “full-fledged” hybrid systems.

It didn’t even get a chance in America

In the Japanese Domestic Market, throughout Asia and Europe, Subaru introduced a mild-hybrid system called the e-BOXER back in 2013. Rather than being a conventional hybrid system, like you find on a Toyota Prius, the mild-hybrid version is similar. But with a smaller electric motor and battery.

The benefits to a mild-hybrid system is that it slightly less complex and less expensive than full hybrid-driven cars. The result is a more affordable option that also happens to be more frugal on gas than regular gas-driven models.

Subaru

But the driver can still benefit from improved fuel economy and smoother automatic start-stop capabilities, all without affecting drivability. The system was available on the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester.

North America, on the other hand, got and still gets Subaru’s conventional hybrid system. Which, when compared to the company’s mild-hybrid unit, features bigger electric motors and battery packs to help propel the vehicle.

Subaru

According to the report, Subaru is ditching mild-hybrids to invest more in developing conventional hybrid systems.

“In light of the progress in electrification and the strengthening of environmental regulations,” a Subaru Japan spokesperson told Nikkei in a statement. “We have reviewed our product portfolio and have decided to discontinue the mild hybrid vehicle program.”

Focusing more on conventional hybrid systems

Subaru

On a typical mild-hybrid system, a starter-generator combination unit typically sits outboard of the engine, like an alternator. Except, in place of the alternator is said starter-generator that also helps crank the engine in certain conditions. Specifically, like during stop-and-go traffic or when accelerating from a standstill at a traffic light.

Subaru

The starter-generator is attached to the gas engine’s crankshaft via a heavy-duty polymer belt. When the driver hits the gas, the starter-generator helps propel the gas engine’s crankshaft until it spins at a fast enough rate for said internal combustion engine to function like it normally would.

However, Subaru’s system featured a small electric motor sandwiched between the boxer engine’s flywheel and all-wheel-drive system’s transfer case. Basically, where the transmission would otherwise sit.

In essence, it was like a conventional hybrid system. But, just scaled down.

Subaru

It sounds great, especially since fuel prices continue skyrocketing and remain unstable from the ongoing conflict in Iran. However, while conventional hybrid systems provide better fuel efficiency and all-electric range, they’re still pricier than mild-hybrid systems.

Either way, we can take whatever we can get to help save on fuel consumption. So, it’s sad to hear that Subaru is ending the program, rather than expanding it.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics