Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI), manufacturer of Subaru cars, has developed a plug-in electric vehicle to demonstrate its environmentally friendly focus at next week’s G8 summit in Japan.

Based on the Subaru Stella supermini, the vehicle uses the same 53bhp electronic motor used in the two seater R1e microcar concept recently trialled in London.

The Stella EV seats four, has a maximum speed of 62mph and a range of 50 miles, which the manufacturer said could make it ideal for fleet users.

FHI is supplying five to the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, held on July 7-9, where world leaders will meet to discuss current issues, including climate change.

Four will be used to transport officials and other participants to the summit, while the fifth will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase and made available for test drives.

FHI will also supply one to the Japan Post group for use as a collection and delivery vehicle in the Toyako area during the summit.