Ford, Volvo, and Stellantis are slowing down on electric vehicles, but this brand will only sell electric vehicles using Toyota's technology in Spain starting in 2028

21/10/2026 12:30

Updated to

21/10/2026 12:30

While electric vehicles are already a reality in the automotive industry — as proven by Tesla 3 being the best-selling car in Spain in September — several automakers and major brands have had to reconsider their plans for electrification due to low demand for these models. From Stellantis, which decided to focus more on hybrids, to Volvo, which had to delay its push for electric vehicles; and including Ford, which was forced to withdraw the electric car it had planned as its bestseller.

But in the meantime, other brands are betting everything on electric vehicles. This is exactly what one of Toyota’s key partners has done: Subaru, which starting in 2028 will only sell this type of vehicle—those developed alongside Toyota and using its technology—in Europe, and thus in Spain. It confirmed this to the German magazine Auto Motor Sport.

The reasons behind this brand’s decision to sell only electric vehicles in Spain starting in 2028

And note that while Subaru will continue to rely on Toyota as a reference and share its global strategy until 2030, it will do the exact opposite in Europe: focus on electric vehicles.

The Japanese brand’s German subsidiary confirmed this to Auto Motor Sport, citing two reasons for the decision: first, the CO2 emission limits imposed by the EU on manufacturers, and second, the safety and assistance systems required in Europe. Both factors make it increasingly difficult for smaller manufacturers to get their vehicles approved and sold in Europe.

While Subaru will continue to offer its internal combustion engine models in markets such as the United States, this decision means that by 2027, Toyota’s partner will phase out the production of its thermal engines—specifically the traditional boxer engines with cylinders opposite each other, which have been a hallmark of the brand.

Thus, the first model of the brand with a thermal engine to disappear will be the Outback, which is equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine producing 169 horsepower. Followed by these will be three other Subaru models throughout 2027: the Impreza—no longer sold in Spain—and the Crosstrek and Forester, all powered by a 2.0-liter microhybrid engine with 136 horsepower.

An electric lineup with Toyota technology

Starting in 2028, Subaru will only sell its electric models in Spain—and Europe—all of which were developed in collaboration with Toyota, with whom the Japanese manufacturer shares its electric technology.

Thus, the Japanese brand will start selling on the Old Continent starting in 2028 the three electric SUVs it already offers in Spain: namely, the Solterra, the Uncharted SUV coupé — based on the Toyota C-HR+ but much cheaper — and the 375 HP E-Outback.

And keep in mind that Subaru doesn’t only offer cars with internal combustion engines or 100% electric ones. For example, in the United States, both the Crosstrek and Forester are available with a 2.5 L 197 HP 100% hybrid engine. However, according to the German newspaper, Subaru has not announced any specific plans regarding whether these hybrid vehicles will be sold in Europe… and/or Spain.