The Subaru Plug-in Stella combines the electric drive system employed in the R1e (earlier post) with the Subaru Stella minicar platform.

Inquiries have already been received for “several hundred” Plug-In Stellas, according to an official at the maker of Subaru cars. Sales of the vehicle, an upgrade to the Stella minicar, will begin this summer to corporate customers and the public sector. Businesses and regional governments seeking to promote their environmental friendliness are apparently showing a high level of interest.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. plans to lease 50 Plug-In Stellas in fiscal 2009 for its sales activities in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture. Car Sharing Japan Co., a Mitsui & Co. subsidiary that recently began service in Tokyo, will add the electric car to its fleet as well. The Japan Post group is also considering using the vehicle.

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