2021 LA Auto Show Preview: The Year Of The Electric SUV
The 2021 LA Auto Show is one of the most anticipated automotive events of the year, and it kicks off next week. As usual, there will be a considerable amount of new vehicle reveals at the show. Including some cars we’ve already seen. A lot of new EVs will make their debut as well. Here is a quick preview of what you can expect.
2023 Subaru Solterra EV
The Subaru Solterra is the automaker’s first-ever full EV, and it is set to make its debut at the 2021 LA Auto Show. The Solterra had its virtual review not long ago, and Subaru was generous with the details. We know that there will be two versions of the Subaru Solterra: FWD and AWD.
The FWD Solterra will have one electric motor on the front axle, while the AWD Solterra will have dual motors (front and rear). Both drivetrains will come with the same 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. However, the FWD Solterra will have a claimed range of 330 miles, and the AWD version is limited to 285 miles.
The shorter range on the AWD Solterra is due to the extra motor and extra weight. There has been no mention of a “long range” AWD Solterra from Subaru so far. We are assuming the automaker wants to test the waters first before expanding offerings.
It is rumored that the Solterra will have solar panels on its roof that can charge the battery. We’ll learn more as we report from the LA Auto Show.
2023 Fisker Ocean electric SUV
After years of delays and rumors, the Fisker Ocean SUV is set to make its grand reveal at the 2021 LA Auto Show. Fisker Automotive has had an unconventional trajectory. The Fisker Karma range-extended hybrid was starting to take the industry by storm. However, things quickly fell apart, and Karma was spun off into its own company and sold to a Chinese investor.
Now Fisker Automotive is back with its first new vehicle, the Ocean SUV. The Ocean is part of a long-term plan by Fisker to carve out a niche in the “high quality, low volume” luxury market. The Ocean will need to impress at the LA Auto Show if it hopes to reach those goals.
2022 Kia EV9 electric SUV
Expect Korean automakers to have a significant showing of EVs at the 2021 LA Auto Show. One of the biggest will likely be the 2022 Kia EV9 electric SUV. While information is scarce currently, we know that the EV9 is the first of 11 new EVs Kia plans to launch within five years.
Kia does confirm that the EV9 is currently a concept, and what we see at the show may not be the final version. Kia describes the EV9 as “an intriguing glimpse into the future direction of the all-electric SUV, combining progressive design, state-of-the-art tech, and an advanced all-electric powertrain in one pioneering package,” according to a press release.
Rumors say that the EV9 will not share its platform with the existing Telluride and instead use a new EV-specific chassis.
Stay tuned for more from the 2021 LA Auto Show
Keep an eye on MotorBiscuit for all the 2021 LA Auto Show news as it breaks. We suspect there may be a surprise release or two, so stay tuned for updates!
