From daily drives through the Perth CBD to weekend escapes down south, more Western Australians are starting to think electric. With fuel prices climbing and WA’s charging network steadily expanding, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a practical choice, not just a futuristic one.
The Subaru Solterra electric brings EV technology into familiar territory. It’s a mid-size SUV with genuine all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and everyday practicality, designed for those ready to embrace electric without sacrificing capability.
If you’re new to EVs, or simply want to understand what living with one looks like in WA, this guide covers the essentials: how the Solterra charges, what kind of range to expect, how it compares to petrol vehicles, and what ownership really feels like.
Key Takeaways
- Electric driving is simpler than you think. The Solterra makes daily commutes and weekend trips easy across WA.
- Don’t just compare range; consider real-world use. AWD, space, and charging options matter more than numbers alone.
- Home charging is the game-changer. Install a wallbox and start every morning with a full charge.
- Less maintenance, fewer surprises. No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and lower energy costs over time.
- Safety still comes first. Features like EyeSight® and Subaru’s EV crash protection give new drivers extra confidence.
Introducing the Subaru Solterra Electric
The Solterra is Subaru’s first fully electric vehicle, co-developed with Toyota and built with Subaru’s core values in mind: safety, control, and long-term durability.
It’s powered by dual electric motors and features Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for confident handling on both urban roads and regional tracks. A flat battery layout creates a low centre of gravity, improving balance and cornering, especially useful on winding WA roads or in wet conditions.
Inside, the Solterra offers a spacious cabin, elevated seating, and smart storage for passengers, gear, or shopping. A modern digital cockpit and minimalist layout deliver a clean, intuitive driving experience.
What Driving an EV Actually Feels Like
Switching to an electric SUV may sound like a big leap, but the Solterra is designed to feel natural.
There’s no engine noise or gear changes, just seamless acceleration and immediate torque when you press the pedal. Regenerative braking slows the car and recovers energy, reducing wear on brake components while extending range.
Driving in stop-start traffic becomes quieter and smoother. On the freeway, it glides effortlessly at speed. For many WA commuters, the shift to electric is less about adjustment and more about enjoying a quieter, lower-stress drive.
Charging the Subaru Solterra in WA
Charging infrastructure in Western Australia has improved significantly, with more options across metro and regional areas. The Solterra supports both AC and DC charging, giving flexibility for home and public use.
Home Charging
Charging at home is the most convenient option for most owners. Two types of charging setups are commonly used:
- Standard power point (Level 1): Plug into a regular wall socket. Adds about 10km of range per hour. Suitable for overnight top-ups.
- Dedicated wall charger (Level 2): Professionally installed 7kW unit. Adds 30–40km of range per hour. Can fully charge the Solterra overnight.
WA homeowners may be eligible for government rebates on EV charger installation. Check Synergy or WA EV strategy updates for current offers.
Public Charging
For faster top-ups or road trips, public chargers are widely available:
- DC Fast Charging (Level 3): 50kW or higher, often found at shopping centres, rest stops, and major car parks. Can provide an 80% charge in under an hour.
- Charging networks across WA: RAC Electric Highway, Chargefox, Evie Networks and local councils continue to add stations across popular destinations.
Charging on the go is now possible in locations like Busselton, Margaret River, Albany, Geraldton, and Bunbury, making longer trips across WA feasible without range anxiety.
How Far Can You Drive on a Full Charge?
The Solterra delivers a range of up to 414km (WLTP test cycle), which covers the needs of most WA drivers with room to spare.
For context:
- Average Perth commutes are between 30–50km round-trip
- Perth to Bunbury is around 170km
- Perth to Margaret River is approximately 270km
Drivers making regular city trips may only need to charge once a week. For regional travel, WA’s expanding charging network offers multiple fast-charging points along key routes.
Environmental factors, such as steep terrain or extreme heat, can influence battery efficiency. However, the Solterra’s dual-motor setup and smart energy management system help optimise performance in changing conditions.
Maintenance and Running Costs
One of the biggest advantages of EV ownership is simplified servicing and lower operating costs.
The Solterra requires less maintenance than petrol models due to:
- No oil changes or exhaust system
- Fewer moving engine parts
- Regenerative braking reduces brake wear
- Longer intervals between scheduled services
Battery and electric drivetrain components are covered by Subaru’s 8-year/160,000km warranty, adding long-term peace of mind.
Energy costs are also significantly lower. Charging at home using off-peak electricity can cost far less per kilometre than petrol. Even public DC fast charging, though pricier, remains cost-competitive for regional driving.
Subaru Safety in the EV Era
Subaru’s award-winning safety features are fully integrated into the Solterra. The latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist system includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane centring assist
- Pre-collision braking
- Emergency steering assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Advanced driver support systems enhance situational awareness and reduce fatigue on longer drives. Subaru’s structural design also incorporates EV-specific crash protection, battery shielding, and rigid body frames to maintain five-star safety performance.
These features are especially reassuring for families, new EV drivers, or those navigating Perth’s busy roads.
How the Solterra Fits WA Life
The Solterra was built to do more than handle city streets. It brings practical SUV features to electric driving, including:
- 212mm ground clearance for rougher roads or steep driveways
- X-Mode for low-traction surfaces like gravel, sand, or rain-slicked bitumen
- Spacious boot for road trip gear, groceries, or sports equipment
- Quiet, refined ride for long stretches between towns
Charging hubs across regional WA now include locations like Collie, Jurien Bay, and Augusta, making road trips to national parks or coastal towns more accessible with an EV.
For those living in the suburbs and exploring on weekends, the Solterra offers the flexibility to handle both.
Your Confident First Step into Electric
Choosing the Subaru Solterra means entering the world of electric mobility with the support of a brand trusted for safety, reliability, and long-term value. It’s a vehicle designed not just for the city, but for the real-world needs of WA drivers, from the daily commute to weekends in the South West.
For those considering their first EV, the Solterra offers capability without compromise, combining advanced electric performance with the all-wheel drive confidence Subaru is known for.
At Perth City Subaru, we’re here to make your transition to electric simple and stress-free. Our team can walk you through home charging options, explain real-world range expectations, and help you understand how the Subaru Solterra electric fits into your daily life.
Book a test drive today and experience the Solterra in person. Talk to our EV specialists, explore charging accessories, and find out why more WA drivers are choosing a Subaru to take their first confident step into electric.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How does the Subaru Solterra electric compare to other electric SUVs?
A. The Subaru Solterra electric stands out with its dual-motor AWD, off-road-ready X-Mode, and ground clearance more commonly found in adventure SUVs than in most EVs. While it competes on range and technology, its focus on versatility and driver confidence sets it apart in the electric SUV segment.
Q. Can I charge the Subaru Solterra electric using solar power?
A. Yes, if you have a solar system at home, it’s possible to charge the Solterra electric vehicle using solar energy, especially during daylight hours. Pairing solar with a smart EV charger allows you to maximise renewable energy use and reduce running costs even further.
Q. What safety features are unique to the Subaru Solterra electric?
A. The Subaru Solterra electric integrates familiar Subaru safety systems like EyeSight Driver Assist, but also includes EV-specific safety protections. These include high-voltage system safeguards, battery impact shielding, and specific crash structure reinforcements designed for electric vehicles.
Q. What happens if I run out of battery while driving?
A. EVs provide multiple warnings and estimated range calculations to help prevent this. If you do run out of charge, roadside assistance can help with towing or mobile charging, depending on the service. Planning trips with charging stops in mind makes running out unlikely in day-to-day driving.
Q. Can I drive an EV in heavy rain or through puddles?
A. Yes. EVs are designed to meet strict safety standards, including water resistance. Driving through rain, puddles, or wet roads is safe for EVs like the Subaru Solterra electric. However, just like petrol vehicles, deep floodwaters should always be avoided.