
The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid marries a 2.0-liter SubaruBOXER engine with a 13.4-hp electric motor, and will have the ability to drive in EV mode only up to 25 mph. After 25 mph, the gasoline engine kicks in while the electric motor provides assistance for acceleration and passing. For the eco-friendly SUV, Subaru took one of its most popular models and re-engineered the chassis to support the added weight of the battery system.
Like many other hybrids currently on the market, Subaru included a color display panel that shows the hybrid system’s real-time energy flow according to driving conditions. Subaru included several other efficiency-enhancing features to the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, including an Auto Start/Stop system that shuts down the gasoline engine when the vehicle is stopped and brake regeneration to recapture kinetic energy from the turning wheels to recharge the battery and an air-conditioning system that uses a temperature and humidity sensor to optimize operation for reduced draw on engine power. The XV Crosstrek Hybrid is expected to become available at the end of the year.
+ Subaru