Subaru of America said it will start taking $250 refundable reservations for its first EV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra, beginning at noon Tuesday.

The automaker issued an emergency stop-sale on the 2023 bZ4X and told consumers to stop driving it immediately for fear the wheels may fall off. It is offering a series of make-goods to approximately 260 owners and lessees, who still can't drive the BEV, including an offer to buy back the compact crossover.

"We're not trying to catch up" with domestic competitors, says Mike Sweers, the executive chief engineer for the automaker's trucks.

The luxury brand has been cast in a starring role in Toyota Motor's $70 billion investment. As part of the plan for Lexus dealers to serve customers and alleviate any range anxiety, gasoline-electric and plug-in hybrids will have a key role.