Subaru will introduce a new plug-in hybrid later
this year and it now appears the model could be called the Evoltis. As
discovered by Car and Driver, Subaru filed an application for the Evoltis
moniker with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 26th.
According to information submitted along with the application, the name is
slated to be used on goods and services such as automobiles. While companies
trademark names all the time, the publication notes the application has a 1B
code which means Subaru has an “intent to use” to use the name.
Subaru hasn’t said much about the model but the
company’s chief technical officer, Takeshi Tachimori, previously told
Automotive News “We have used Toyota’s technologies as much as possible.” He
also confirmed the car will have some unique traits including a
longitudinally-mounted Subaru engine rather than a transversely-mounted Toyota
engine.
Since the car will be heavily influenced by the
Toyota Prius Prime, it will likely come equipped with a familiar plug-in hybrid
powertrain that features an electronically controlled continuously variable
transmission, an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors.
Since the Subaru model will use a unique engine,
specifications remain a mystery. However, it’s worth noting the Prius Prime has
a combined output of 121 hp and can travel up to 40 km on
electricity alone.
Interestingly, Car and Driver suggests the Evoltis
could come equipped with Toyota’s E-Four all-wheel drive system that is offered
on the Prius in Japan. The system uses an additional electric motor and would
enable Subaru to offer yet another model with all-wheel drive.
There’s no word on when the plug-in hybrid will go
on sale but Tachimori suggested the car will be available initially in states
that follow California’s Zero Emission Vehicle program. This means the model
will likely be launched in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and
Oregon.
