Maruti e Vitara: Maruti Suzuki to enter the electric vehicle fray, here’s the awaited e-Vitara Hindustan Times – Here’s a cause for your sheer need to pump your fist in the air!
As the EV iteration of the highly popular Grand Vitara SUV, the e-Vitara promises to serve a mix of practical, affordable and clean mobility to the Indian masses.
Despite being in the development stage, the e-Vitara is likely to make its foray into India as Maruti’s first mass-market electric SUV, catering to the urban family and city commuter with green sensibilities.
With rivals such as Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 already staking their claims in the EV territory, Maruti would want to make a product that provides good range, reliability and value — packaged in something that makes sense to Indian buyers.
Design and Exterior Styling
Design: Just like its petrol-sibling, the Maruti e-Vitara is expected to come with a muscular design but with some add-ons to reflect its electric avatar.
Look for a shuttered front grille, slim headlamps with LED tech, blue highlights around the body and new aero-optimised alloys.
As Maruti will produce the e-Vitara in partnership with Toyota, some styling would echo the world Toyota EV platform.
It is likely to sit tall like a generic SUV, with roof rails, black cladding, and strong lines which will aid in making it feel big on the road.
Battery and Performance
Official specifications have not been revealed as of now, but the e-Vitara is expected to get a battery pack in the 40–50 kWh range, that should deliver a driving range of between 400–500 km on a single charge (ARAI-certified).
It will accommodate both AC home charging and DC fast charging, with 0–80% charge time less than 1 hour using a fast charger.
Performance is expected to be optimised for city and motorway driving, with a single electric motor and between 130–150 bhp, which should be enough for effortless, quiet overtaking.
The electric powertrain would start out as front-wheel-drive and would very likely have AWD in higher trims.
Interior and Features
If we talk about the cabin with the vehicle’s interiors, the Maruti e-Vitara’s interior should look modern and tech-savvy.
The design could feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver display, connected car tech and premium fabric or leatherette seats.
Higher trims could also receive wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, and ventilated seats among others.
The cabin will comfortably accommodate five adults and there will be a half decent boot, too.
The battery will be underfloor-mounted, allowing for maximum load space and passenger comfort.
Safety and Tech
The e-Vitara will concentrate on safety. It is likely to offer:
6 airbags (in top variants)
ABS with EBD
Stability control ESC is standard across the range
Hill Hold Assist
Rear view parking camera and sensors
ADAS features (if there are any they are likely found in premium trims)
With increasing safety concerns among Indians, Maruti is expected to offer high level of structural integrity and tech-based protection.
Pros of Maruti e-Vitara
Real-world range of over 400 km anticipated
Familiar and SUV-like styling
Modern, tech-rich interior
Practically speaking, you do need support for fast charging
Maruti knows how to look after its customers.
Cheaper to run than petrol/diesel
Cons of Maruti e-Vitara
Not yet released; specs are still unconfirmed
Expect higher pricing than the existing Maruti models
Ev Charging Network in India developing as work progress on the numerous Electric Car Charging Station in India.
Performance can’t keep up with premium EV competition
Low awareness of the public on how to maintain EVs
Maruti e Vitara: Verdict
The Maruti e-Vitara is a giant leap for India’s largest carmaker in the EV space. It has a decent range and a user-friendly approach, plus that family-friendly SUV look, and it’s shaping up as a mass-market EV that doesn’t skimp on comfort or reliability.
Final specs and prices are not yet known, but early impressions are that this just might be the electric SUV that middle-class families turn to when it comes time to switch to clean mobility.
If priced well and comes dotted enough, the e-Vitara could perhaps end up being the game-changing electric from Maruti Suzuki, the company has been promising.
Also read this –