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You Can’t Buy New Crosstrek PHEV Unless You Live in These 10 US States

Subaru launches a first-ever 2019 Crosstrek plug-in-hybrid, but you can’t buy one unless you live in these 10 U.S. states.

Subaru’s all-new 2019 Crosstrek plug-in-hybrid is coming later this year, but the fuel-stingy model will only be sold in 10 U.S. states. It’s popular in the Rocky Mountains and the state of Washington, but you won’t be able to buy one in these regions. According to The Gazette, Subaru Corp will only build “limited quantities” of the new 2019 Crosstrek with electric technology.

Subaru Corporation’s plans are to only sell the Crosstrek PHEV in the 10 states that have adopted zero-emissions vehicle requirements, Colorado dealerships are telling customers. There are only nine states that have adopted California's ZEV program. They are Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont. So unless you live in California or one of these states in the North East, you are out of luck.

The California zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) regulation requires automakers to offer a number of electric cars and trucks for sale with the number of vehicles is linked to the companies overall sales within the state. It forces automakers to spend their research and development dollars on all-electric technology.

READ: How Subaru Taps Toyota Technology For First-Ever Crosstrek PHEV

Colorado is one state where Subaru has been popular and the Outback is the number-one-selling vehicle in the state. The Subaru Crosstrek is also a popular vehicle and it’s leading the brand’s stable of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Conservation Colorado, an environmental advocate, and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a public-interest organization promoting greater energy efficiency in the west, were both shocked when they heard Subaru won’t sell the new Crosstrek PHEV in Colorado.

Will Toor, the transportation program director for SWEEP told the Gazette, "Despite the fact that Colorado has some of the strongest consumer demand for electric vehicles, most car manufacturers don't sell all their electric models here. States that have adopted zero emission standard get up to three times as many models.”

The new 2019 Subaru Crosstrek won’t be sold were they are the most popular, in the Rocky Mountains and the state of Washington. Unless these states adopt tougher air-quality standards, environmentally conscious consumers who live in these regions won’t get any new fuel-stingy Crosstreks.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Comments

Will Galloway (not verified)    May 22, 2018 - 11:37AM

That's a simple fix, a flight from Denver to LA is about $100 one way. We'll just fly out to California, pick up the car for a quick vacation and drive it back to Colorado.

Lise MacLeod (not verified)    May 23, 2018 - 1:58AM

I don't think it's that easy. Sounds like you have to be a resident of one of those states...just like Americans aren't allowed to buy models sold only in Canada. We live in Washington, a 2 hour drive from Oregon, but I think we would have trouble getting our hands on the Crosstrek PHEV. Might have to settle for the Mitsubishi AWD PHEV.

adm reynolds (not verified)    August 8, 2018 - 5:49PM

The issue may not be whether you can buy a Suburu PHEV in another state and then licience it a state where you live. The important issue may be whether you're local Suburu dealership will sevice the vehicle or not. You may be stuck with getting survice in the state where you bought it. Anyone know what Suburu's plan is on that issue???

C Levin (not verified)    January 21, 2019 - 6:08PM

In reply to by adm reynolds (not verified)

I live in Florida. Can I buy a Suburu Cross Trek electric car in a state that sells them and return to my home in Florida and register it and have it seviced as well in Florida.

Joe Williams (not verified)    November 22, 2020 - 9:29PM

In reply to by Diane Harris (not verified)

The dealers in states that don't sell the phev crosstrek won't service them. It takes special training and equipment. Such crap. Thus would be a huge seller in Chicago

John Morris (not verified)    September 5, 2018 - 4:58PM

I live in Tennessee and want a Subaru PHEV. If I travel to New York and buy or lease one there and drive it home will I be able to have it serviced at my current dealer in Tennessee?

Steve (not verified)    November 7, 2019 - 7:18PM

I'm in WA. I sent an email to Subi North America, and pointed out that they are missing out on a golden opportunity to sell into states that don't require zero emissions, but are full of folks who WANT to buy this car. They said that any dealer can opt in to being a seller, but I've heard that they need to invest in the equipment necessary to service the electrical motors. I'm going to try to press my local dealer to opt in. Seems to me that they would more than make up the cost of the new equipment by being the only or one of the only dealers in WA who sell this car.

Nick (not verified)    December 31, 2019 - 11:15AM

In reply to by Steve (not verified)

@Steve did you succeed in getting a dealer to sell them? I am in Seattle and also sent an email to Subaru corporate, and got the same response. Would be happy to try to help convince whatever dealer you've been talking with.

Lise MacLeod (not verified)    January 31, 2021 - 7:29PM

We decided to get a used Prius that averages 56 mpg and keep our old 4WD Honda Pilot for the daily 3 mile trip onto the ocean beach. (My disabled husband can't do the walk) The Crosstrek gets a disappointing 35 mpg and only has an all-electric range of 17 miles. In Washington, buyers pay no sales tax on cars that can drive 35 miles or more on battery alone.

Lise MacLeod (not verified)    April 29, 2021 - 11:20PM

Astoria, Oregon is 103 miles from my house. So yes, I'm aware. I was just taking the headline at face value. I know non-American model cars can't necessarily be easily bought by Americans in Canada and brought home, so I was wondering if it was something like that. (Kind of snarky. )