In India, the e Vitara Maruti Suzuki’s first fully‑electric SUV and market leader in E‑Vehicle – has officially entered the Indian market. The model, which costs an introductory ₹10.99 lakh (ex‑showroom), comes equipped with a new Battery‑as‑a‑Service (BaaS) system, charging customers separately for battery use. This has enabled an innovative method that aims at electric mobility while extending flexibility for purchasers.
The e Vitara comes in three trims Delta, Zeta, and Alpha and can be purchased in ten different colour options. Customers may choose two battery pack designs:
- 48.8 kWh pack featuring reported range up to 440 km.
- 61.1 kWh pack with a claimed range of up to 543 km.
Both battery packs are used in concert with a single electric motor driving the front wheels.
Unlike traditional auto EVs, however, the e Vitara follows a battery rental model. Buyers pay ₹10.99 lakh for the SUV itself and the battery is rented separately. Battery cost is said to have been around ₹3.99 per kilometre driven. This system lowers the upfront purchase cost, allowing customers to pay according to usage.
Premium interiors are part of the e Vitara, along with integrated infotainment and connected vehicle technology. It comes with a five‑star Bharat NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest electric SUVs in its category.
Maruti Suzuki is eyeing the e Vitara as an obvious competitor to the Hyundai Creta Electric as well as other mid‑size EVs. Maruti, by giving customers competitive pricing and the option to own their battery on a flexible basis, also hopes to secure wide market segmentation among customers looking to transition to electric mobility. Nexa dealers will only sell the SUV, enhancing its premium positioning.
Thus, the e Vitara is a landmark in both the global and Indian EV stages which will witness a launch of Maruti Suzuki. Featuring an affordable entry price, flexible battery rental and long driving range, the e Vitara could fast track the expansion of electric vehicles across India. With the increasing demand for sustainable mobility, this SUV stands to be pivotal for India on its way toward cleaner, smarter transportation.
