Subaru Solterra EV Chargers
The Subaru Solterra has been one of our most popular EV chargers. Subaru introduced the Solterra in 2022 and it marked its first entrance into the all-electric vehicle market with more EV options to follow.
Subaru Solterra EV Charging Overview
Most customers we speak to only have a slow level 1 EV charger or are disappointed by the inconvenience and higher costs of commercial charging stations. Level 1 provided EV chargers from manufacturers, whilst convenient since they plug into any regular home outlet, become frustrating for EV owners since charge times can be 14 hours+ and also more expensive since a level 1 longer charging time will also depend on more expensive peak electricity cost.
Based on the most recent data, annual U.S. sales are growing rapidly and will reach 15,000+ in 2024. Given the number of Subaru Solterra EV chargers we sell, we noticed common patterns in the types of questions owners asked when seeking an EV charger. We, therefore, consolidated these questions on EV charging into a useful guide specific to EV charging.
Solterra is a play on the Latin for “Sun” and “Land”, a play on the idea of clean energy. The Solterra is an EV that can be charged with a level 1 J1772 or a level 2 J1722 EV charger at a rate of 7.4 kilowatts per hour (32 amps) on a 240-volt outlet. The charging rate is determined by two factors, which are the power of the EV charger and the acceptance rate of the car’s onboard battery. Different vehicles have different battery charging speeds and a car’s speed to charge cannot always be sped up by a faster EV charger.
Key Stats
| Battery Size | DC commercial charging | Cost per Charge | Level 2 Charging | Electric Range |
| 72.8 -kWh | Yes | ~$14 | Yes | 222 miles |
EV Charging times for Subaru Solterra
The table we created shows charge time assuming an empty battery to full for a Subaru Solterra. In the below-tabulated example, we show the times to charge from an empty battery. We show different common residential plug types for Subaru Solterra charging at both level 2 and level 1.
| Make/Model | Plug Type | Level | Charge Rate | AEFA Charge Time |
| Subaru Solterra 2022-) | 5-15 (regular 3 pin) | Level 1 (120 volt) | 1.5 KW/hour @ 12 amps | ~48 hours |
| Subaru Solterra (2022-) | 14-30 (4 pin electric dryer type) | Level 2 (240 volt) | 5.5 KW/hour @ 24 amps | ~13 hours |
| Subaru Solterra (2022-) | 14-50 (4 pin) | Level 2 (240 volt) | 9.6 KW/hour @ 40 amps | ~10 hours |
For battery longevity, the charge of the battery should be between 20% to 80%. Battery life can be expected to slow if the battery charge is allowed to go below or above these limits.
Connector type and charging rates
EV Receptacle
EV Charger head
Best charging locations for Subaru Solterra
Most EV owners prefer the convenience, comfort, and speed of home EV charging. EV charging will also be much cheaper at home at residentially priced electricity compared to commercial charging rates from third-party sellers of EV charging. Generally, commercial EV charging is problematic since the charging stations often have technical issues (payment, broken charging heads, and out-of-service).
We find Subaru Solterra EV owners prefer to charge conveniently at home, but it also be plugged in when at level 2 EV charging stations or at places such as strip malls, car parks, and City-owned installations. Of most EV charger types, the 14-50 EV chargers can also be used in campgrounds and RV parks.
Cost of charging a Subaru Solterra
There is a widespread cost in charging, depending on location (residential or commercial), time of day, and State. The below table shows charging costs depending on location. The tables use U.S. current averages for residential electricity supply of 20 ¢/kWh.
| Place | Avg. cost | Cost/mile |
| Home (empty to full)* | $14.4 | 0.065¢ |
| Commercial chargers** | $36 | 0.16¢ |
* Assumes 20 ¢/kWh average U.S. tariff. Residential tariffs vary by State.
** Assumes 50 ¢/kWh tariff for most Level 2 (AC) or Level 3 (DC) network EV chargers in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my Subaru Solterra at a commercial charging station?
Yes, a Subaru Solterra will charge at level 2 EV charging stations and direct current (DC) commercial charging stations.
What is the fastest charger for my Subaru Solterra?
The fastest charger is a 32 amp or 40 amps @ 240-volt NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 EV charger for your Solterra.
What connector types does a Subaru Solterra use?
The Subaru Solterra uses a J1772 Type 1 connector. This is the current U.S. standard although from 2026 onwards many car manufacturers will be using the NACS standard (Tesla-type charger).
Can a level 1 EV charger suffice for a Subaru Solterra?
Except for specific circumstances, for example, the vehicle is a backup or is used infrequently, a Subaru Solterra does not lend itself to level 1 EV charging. Pure electrics do not lend themselves to this type of charging due to their battery sizes. A full charge for a Subaru Solterra will take 48 hours. The other issue with level 1 EV charging is range anxiety and lack of flexibility to drive medium distances since a full charge won’t be achieved quickly. A level 1 EV charger will only achieve 4-6 miles of range per hour of EV charging.
Can I use non-Subaru-made chargers with a Subaru Solterra?
Yes. To widen EV adoption, car manufacturers allow other EV chargers to charge their vehicles. For example, there are many commercial level 2 EV chargers and Subaru has allowed its cars to be compatible. Only Tesla has created its network of EV charging stations.
For Subaru Solterra, what is the most popular choice of level 2 EV chargers?
The most popular level 2 EV charger is the NEMA 14-50 (plug-type EV charger). This is approximately 80% of sales.
What are the main advantages of level 2 EV charging?
You avoid the hassle of a commercial charging station, you may charge at your convenience at home and it is much faster than level 1 EV charging.
Is it possible to charge my Subaru Solterra faster?
Unfortunately, not. The vehicle’s on-board charger has a limit on how fast (power acceptance rate) it can receive charge. It is limited to 7.4 kilowatts per hour currently. Future versions may have higher speed acceptance rates, which will result in faster charge time.
Our high power level 2 EV Chargers will achieve a full EV charge in around 10 hours. Alternatively, we have a complete range of Subaru Solterra EV Chargers with all different EV plug types.
