The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki is all set to make a bold leap into the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the upcoming launch of six new electric cars. Among the confirmed vehicles are the highly anticipated eVX, the Hustler, the WagonR EV, and the Fronx EV. Additionally, two more electric cars, likely to be compact SUVs, are in the pipeline, further expanding the brand’s EV offerings. In this article, we will take a look into the details of each of these exciting forthcoming electric vehicles from the Indo-Japanese carmaker.
Maruti Suzuki eVX
The Maruti Suzuki eVX is a significant milestone for the brand and marks its first fully-electric vehicle in India. Unveiled at Auto Expo 2023, this mid-size electric SUV showcases a futuristic and radical design, setting it apart from the current Maruti Suzuki lineup. Developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation and its Indian subsidiary, the eVX features a sleek coupe-like silhouette that measures 4,300mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,600mm in height, demanding attention on the road.
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The eVX boasts an aggressive front-end design with a gloss black strip connecting to futuristic LED headlamps, forming a striking V-shaped element. The massive body-colored bumper carries the iconic Suzuki insignia and a large silver skid plate, while brawny wheel arches on the sides house futuristic full-faced wheels accentuated by black plastic cladding. At the rear, the coupe-like appearance is accentuated by LED taillamps connected by a double LED strip, a sizable Suzuki logo, the eVX insignia, and a black cladded bumper with a prominent silver skid plate. Under the hood, the eVX incorporates a 60kWh battery pack, delivering an impressive driving range of up to 550km. With its cutting-edge technology and stunning design, the eVX is set to take on rivals like the Hyundai Creta EV.
Suzuki Hustler EV
Originally a Kei car available in Japan, the Suzuki Hustler is poised to make its debut as an all-electric offering in the Indian market. Although specific details about the Hustler EV are scarce, it is likely to share its powertrain with the Wagon-R EV prototype that Maruti Suzuki has been testing since 2018. This compact electric car is expected to feature a sub-30kWh battery pack, providing an estimated driving range of close to 250km on a single charge.
The Hustler EV, with its compact dimensions and SUV-inspired design, is anticipated to compete against electric vehicles like the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3, offering Indian consumers more options in the affordable EV segment.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV
Initially planned as the most affordable electric vehicle from Maruti Suzuki, the Wagon R EV faced some pushback due to lower-than-expected demand. Despite this setback, Maruti Suzuki has been actively testing the electric vehicle on Indian roads and will most likely launch it in the upcoming years.
The Wagon R EV features a slightly different design compared to its petrol-powered counterpart. Its low-mounted headlamps and redesigned bumper reflect its electric powertrain and the absence of an engine, reducing the need for excessive airflow. The Suzuki logo carries a distinctive blue hue, signifying its electric nature. The side profile retains the Wagon R’s familiar shape, while the rear showcases vertical tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. Most likely this EV tallboy hatchback will come equipped with a sub-30kWh battery pack, providing an estimated driving range of close to 250km on a single charge like the Hustler EV as mentioned above.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx EV
Maruti Suzuki has hinted at the development of the Fronx EV, a compact crossover SUV. While specific details on the vehicle are scarce, the design is expected to mirror the petrol-powered Fronx’s look, with some EV-specific highlights for differentiation. Inside the Fronx EV, the cabin is likely to resemble the ICE version, though with minor changes such as a different instrument console and upholstery.
The Fronx EV may feature equipment levels similar to the petrol-powered version, including a head-up display, wireless charger, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 360-degree parking camera. For the time being, there are no details about the battery and motor which might be introduced in the new Maruti Suzuki Fronx EV. However, we expect that the overall maximum driving range and performance levels should be good enough to make it competitive against its to-be direct rivals like Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.
Two more EVs in the pipeline
In addition to the four confirmed electric vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has exciting plans to further expand its electric lineup with two more EVs in the pipeline. While the exact names and powertrain configurations of these forthcoming models have not been disclosed yet, it is anticipated that they will be compact SUVs. As the demand for compact SUVs continues to soar in the Indian market, these new additions are expected to cater to the preferences of consumers seeking stylish, efficient, and eco-friendly vehicles.
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