Electric vehicles, Plug in Electric and Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular and Rob Fraser has just driven the Forester S Mild Hybrid.
Subaru’s boxer engine is now linked via Motor Assist to a high voltage lithium ion battery, the mild hybrid offers fuel savings of up to 19%, particularly in congested city driving as well as better initial response.
The electric motor produces about 12 kW of power and 66 Nm of torque, and is self-charging, via kinetic energy captured by regenerative braking and coasting.
Depending upon driving environment, vehicle and battery condition, it can operate in fully electric mode up to 40 km/h and can also operate at higher speeds while coasting.
Priced from just under $40,000 for the L version, plus the usual costs, the mild Hybrid Forester is a good entry point for alternate fuelled SUV’s
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