Maruti Suzuki Enters EV Race: e-Vitara Debuts Today With Up to 500-Plus Km Range

Maruti Suzuki is set to unveil its groundbreaking eVitara on Tuesday, marking the company's long-awaited entry into India's burgeoning electric vehicle market with its first battery-electric SUV. Production of the mid-size e-SUV has been underway since August at the state-of-the-art Hansalpur facility in Gujarat, a plant inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 26 alongside key executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation and partners like Toshiba and Denso. Initial units are already rolling out for export to over 100 countries, including major European markets such as the UK, Germany, and Japan—where it launches on January 16, 2026—with more than 2,900 shipped in August alone. This global ambition underscores Maruti's vision of "Made in India for the World", positioning the eVitara as a flagship for sustainable mobility while bolstering the nation's EV manufacturing ecosystem.

The eVitara, built on Suzuki's dedicated HEARTECT-e platform with 50% high-tensile steel for enhanced crash safety and lightweight efficiency, offers two battery options to suit varied preferences: a 49 kWh pack powering a single front-wheel-drive (FWD) motor for urban efficiency and a premium 61 kWh unit enabling the AllGrip-e all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup for superior traction. WLTP-certified ranges are impressive at 346 km for the base variant and up to 428 km for the FWD 61 kWh model, with the AWD version at 394 km; Indian ARAI figures are expected to exceed 500 km for the larger FWD pack, making it competitive in real-world conditions. Fast DC charging capability promises a 20-80% top-up in under an hour, complemented by regenerative braking and drive modes including Snow and Eco for optimised performance.

Design-wise, the eVitara draws heavily from its internal combustion engine (ICE) sibling, the Grand Vitara, but with EV-specific cues like a closed grille, aerodynamic 18-inch blacked-out alloys, and three-point matrix LED daytime running lights integrated into slim headlamps. The sculpted 3D profile, chunky piano-black bumpers, and matching tail lamps lend a bold, muscular stance, available in 10 colours, including four dual tones. Aerodynamic underbody panels and active grille shutters further boost efficiency, ensuring the SUV's 4.3-metre footprint exudes adventure-ready appeal without compromising on urban manoeuvrability.

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Inside, the cabin elevates Maruti's premium NEXA experience with a dual-screen digital cockpit: a 10.25-inch driver's display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and over 60 connected features via Next Gen Suzuki Connect. Luxuries abound, from ventilated and 10-way power-adjustable front seats to a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and flexible 60:40 split rear benches. Safety is paramount with seven airbags (including a driver's knee unit), Level 2 ADAS encompassing adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold—all standard across variants.

Priced aggressively between Rs 18.5 lakh and Rs 22.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for introductory variants, the e-Vitara slots into the hotly contested mid-size EV SUV segment, challenging the Tata Curvv EV, Mahindra BE 6e, Hyundai Creta EV, and MG ZS EV with its blend of affordability, range, and Maruti's unmatched service network. This launch aligns with the company's multi-powertrain strategy, including upcoming strong hybrids, and includes plans for dedicated charging infrastructure at dealerships to ease adoption. As Maruti aims for 15-20% EV penetration by 2030, the e-Vitara's debut could accelerate market growth, especially with government incentives like FAME-III subsidies potentially slashing effective costs further.

The Gujarat plant's role extends beyond assembly, producing lithium-ion cells and electrodes for hybrids, fostering a self-reliant supply chain amid global battery shortages. With customer deliveries slated shortly post-launch and exports underscoring export-led growth, the eVitara represents more than a vehicle—it's a pivotal step in India's green mobility revolution, blending Suzuki's engineering prowess with local innovation to rival international giants.