Prof Ian drives a Subaru Solterra Touring 71.4kWh 2022.
This is Prof Ian’s first electric car, he’s owned the Subaru Solterra less than 1 year and drives under 5,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 5,000-10,000 miles and he achieves 245 miles from a full charge.
Why did you choose the Subaru Solterra?
I’ve had Subarus in the past and felt I’d like their new EV.
Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car
- Capable off-road
- very comfortable
- performs well.
Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car
- Too many ‘nanny’ features
- bleeps too often
- I don’t like the tyre tread pattern
- wheels too large (20 inch).
Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?
No
What are the standout technological features of the car?
Camera 3D view & ease of driving.
Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car
As above, the 3D camera gives the impression it’s over the car!
What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?
Unsure, I’ve only had this one 3 months.
Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements
INDRA Smart Pro untethered. Linked to OVO’s Charge Anytime scheme. A few teething troubles due to poor 3G/4G reception but good now with Wi-Fi. Sometimes slow to get going. Superb help from INDRA helpline.
Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements
OVO Charge Anytime – 10p per kWh for anytime charging. Although it chooses the fast rate only when the grid permits, I find it usual to get full-rate charging (7.2kWh), only occasionally dropping at peak times.
What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?
I’ve only use IONITY once and it was fast but as seems to be the case, very expensive.
Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements
Admiral – seems very expensive compared to my previous Subaru Forester but I managed to reduce the price by signing-up for combined car & house insurance.
Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Subaru Solterra
Petrol costs were about £70 per month, now probably a quarter of this by home charging. Road tax now zero, compared to about £20 per month. I’ve not had a service yet but hope it will be cheaper. As mentioned previously, insurance is probably 50% more!
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