Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV), the e Vitara, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards electrification. Set to launch in March 2025, the e Vitara will compete with prominent rivals like the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE 6. The e Vitara stays true to the design philosophy of the eVX concept revealed in 2023 and will offer multiple configurations to cater to diverse customer needs.
Battery Options and Performance
The e Vitara is built on the advanced Heartect-e platform, developed in collaboration with Toyota. It will be available with two battery pack options:
- 49kWh: Paired with a front-mounted motor producing 144hp and 189Nm of torque.
- 61kWh: Equipped with a front motor delivering 174hp and 189Nm, with an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. The AWD variant adds a rear-mounted motor generating 65hp, resulting in a combined output of 184hp and 300Nm of torque.
While the exact range figures are yet to be disclosed, Maruti Suzuki has indicated that the larger 61kWh battery pack will deliver a range exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge. Both battery packs use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) blade cells sourced from BYD, emphasizing durability and safety.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The e Vitara’s design closely resembles the eVX concept, with its upright stance and bold lines. Key design features include:
- Tri-slash LED daytime running lights at the front and rear.
- Charging ports integrated into the front fenders.
- A prominent bulge over the rear wheel arches.
- Rear door handles seamlessly incorporated into the C-pillar.
In terms of dimensions, the e Vitara measures 4,275mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,635mm in height, with a 2,700mm wheelbase. It offers a ground clearance of 180mm and weighs between 1,702kg and 1,899kg depending on the variant. Standard 18-inch alloy wheels complement the SUV’s bold and modern appearance.
Interior and Features
The cabin of the e Vitara sets a new benchmark for Maruti Suzuki, featuring a contemporary and high-tech layout. Highlights include:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and instrumentation.
- A two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel.
- Rectangular air-conditioning vents with brushed silver accents.
- A mix of fabric and leatherette upholstery.
The e Vitara is equipped with a host of advanced features, including:
- Electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
- Three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
- Wireless phone charging.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Ventilated front seats and a powered driver’s seat.
- Reclining rear seats with a 60:40 split.
- Seven airbags for enhanced safety.
- Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Charging Infrastructure and Global Strategy
Maruti Suzuki has also announced its ‘e for Me’ initiative to support EV adoption. The plan includes:
- Setting up fast chargers at dealerships in the top 100 cities.
- Launching a dedicated charging app.
- Establishing over 1,500 EV-specific service centers across more than 1,000 cities.
The e Vitara will be manufactured at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant, with 50% of the production earmarked for export to markets like Japan and Europe. This aligns with Suzuki’s vision of making India a global hub for EV production.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Pricing details will be revealed closer to the launch, but the e Vitara is expected to be competitively positioned in its segment. With rivals such as the Tata Curvv EV (priced between ₹17.49 lakh and ₹21.99 lakh) and MG ZS EV (₹18.98 lakh to ₹25.75 lakh), the e Vitara aims to offer a compelling blend of performance, range, and cutting-edge features.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara represents a bold step forward for the company in the electric mobility space. With its advanced platform, versatile battery options, modern design, and feature-rich interior, the e Vitara is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian EV market. Its launch will not only expand Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio but also contribute to the broader adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
