Subaru XV to get plug-in hybrid tech – 41 km e-range?

Subaru has revealed that it will adopt plug-in hybrid technology next year, and first in line to receive it will be the XV Hybrid. Apparently, new government documents from the USA indicates that the XV PHEV should offer over 40 km of pure electric range, reports CarAdvice.

The filing, which was sourced from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), rates the Subaru XV Hybrid’s (or Crosstrek Hybrid, as it’s known in the US) all-electric range at 25.65 miles (41.28 km).

As for the electrification tech, Autoblog states that the XV Hybrid will share the same system as the Toyota Prius Prime PHEV. However, instead of using the Prius’ 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle VVT-i engine, the XV Hybrid will still use the 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine and AWD. Unfortunately, not much of the plug-in system is known for now.

Comparatively, the Prius Prime boasts an EPA-estimated electric range of 40 km thanks to an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It’s unclear if the XV Hybrid will share the same battery pack, but no reports seem to suggest otherwise. The new Subaru XV Hybrid is expected to be revealed in Crosstrek form by the end of the year, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates.

Meanwhile, Subaru recently announced the XV e-Boxer for the Japanese market. It features the FB20 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated, direct-injected flat-four petrol engine that makes 145 PS at 6,000 rpm and 188 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic CVT that features an integrated 13.6 PS/65 Nm electric motor, with power channeled to all four wheels through the brand’s renowned Symmetrical AWD system.

The electric motor draws power from a 4.8 Ah lithium-ion battery located under the boot floor, which warrants a smaller fuel tank that holds 48 litres rather than 63 litres in non-hybrid variants of the XV. It is also the heaviest XV in the line-up (for the Japan market) at 1,825 kg (gross weight).

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