Subaru plans to unveil the All electric Subaru Evoltis in 2021

The development of the electric vehicle marketplace is continuing to accelerate, with two Japanese majors combining to produce what's likely to be one of the most visually arresting EVs yet released.

Although Subaru cars initially announced their all-electric Toyota collaboration in January 2020, the expected release date was set for 2025, making the preview designs closer to a blue-sky concept than a firm indication of where the company was headed.

However, new leaked reports from Japan suggest the timescale has condensed considerably, with a full model unveiling expected in 2021 followed by potential deliveries in 2022.

Enter the Evoltis

The new model's only firm detail so far confirmed is its name: the Subaru Evoltis. Beyond that, much of the information we have to offer is well-informed speculation that may change significantly before next year's reveal. Nonetheless, the new EV seems to be an enticing prospect for Canadians looking to join the electric revolution.

Powerful All-Electric Powertrain

As you'd expect from Subaru, the Evoltis will be all-wheel drive as standard throughout the range. The car will feature a hefty output of 280 horsepower from its electric motors, and the European range estimate is expected to approach an impressive 500km.

Of course, due to the way range estimates are calculated in North America, Canadian drivers may have to settle for a few kilometres less on the official figures. Nonetheless, the Evoltis is still likely to present a step change for mass-market electric vehicle capabilities.

Stunning Exterior

The new Evoltis is said to be based around a similar frame size to Subaru's Crosstrek subcompact SUV, but there's likely to be little physical resemblance beyond that. Leaked photos show a vehicle that's all angles and lines, with polygons and points appearing where you'd normally expect to see curves.

The initial impression is a little similar to the controversial Tesla Cybertruck, although to be fair the overall body shape is a lot smoother and less aggressively sci-fi in style.

Intriguingly, reports suggest the final design may be even more distinctive and original, although what that might entail is anyone's guess.

But for now, the prototype's lack of front grille combined with extensive use of black panelling and heavily tinted glass all adds up to a car that's a definite head turner, looking unlike almost anything else on the road but still possessing plenty of futuristic charm.

Advanced Technology

Little has been said about the tech features to be included, which isn't surprising given the astonishingly fast speed of development in this area. However, while the Evoltis is unlikely to be fully autonomous to any great extent, driver assist systems are reported to include a hands-off feature for driving in congestion, along with a more advanced lane-change assist system than is usually found in today's cars.

Another predicted feature goes under the somewhat mysterious name of "curve prediction automatic deceleration". Time will tell whether that's something genuinely new or just a fancy description for a familiar feature.

There's no doubt that the Evoltis looks an exciting prospect, so stay tuned for the potential full unveiling at the 2021 Tokyo Motor Show.