The automaker is betting that its cars will appeal to younger Japanese buyers who are also more open to trying South Korean imports, thanks to the local success of electronics brands and hip Korean culture.

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.

Honda's all-electric Prologue will leverage GM's Ultium platform and batteries and feature Honda's exterior and interior design.

Interest in the U.S. rose from 5 percent to 19 percent over the two-year period. And in California, where the market for EVs is well-established, interest jumped from 9 percent to 34 percent.

The region offers a glimpse of the trends — more expensive oil, cheaper power and falling EV ownership costs — that someday could drive widespread adoption of electric models throughout the country and beyond.

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.