Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker, has begun testing its first electric vehicle (EV), the eVX electric SUV, on Indian roads. The eVX was initially spotted in Europe and showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it has now made its debut in India during the testing phase. The electric SUV is expected to hit the Indian market in 2025, marking Maruti Suzuki's entry into the growing electric vehicle segment.
The eVX test mule, which first drew attention in Poland and later at the Tokyo Motor Show, has now been photographed on Indian roads in Gurgaon. Despite heavy camouflage, the spy shots provide a glimpse of the SUV's design, which aligns with the near-production version exhibited in Tokyo. The vehicle's distinctive features include an upright front fascia, a blanked-off grille, L-shaped headlamps, flared wheel arches, and C-pillar-mounted rear door handles. At the rear, slim wraparound taillights and an integrated roof spoiler enhance the SUV's aesthetics.
Technical Details
The eVX is built on Toyota's 40PL skateboard architecture, measuring 4.3 meters in length with a wheelbase of 2.7 meters. It is equipped with a 60 kWh battery pack, which is claimed to offer an impressive range of around 550 km on a single charge. The SUV's overall design mirrors the concept, emphasizing aerodynamics and a futuristic appeal.
Launch and market competition
Maruti Suzuki's foray into the electric vehicle market is strategically planned, with the eVX expected to rival popular electric SUVs in India. The launch is scheduled for 2025, positioning the eVX against competitors like the MG ZS EV, the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, the Tata Nexon EV, and the Mahindra XUV400 EV.
Maruti Suzuki's EV strategy
As we have already discussed in one of our earlier posts, while Maruti Suzuki is yet to enter the electric vehicle segment, the company has outlined an ambitious plan to launch at least six electric cars between 2025 and 2030. The move aligns with the company's goal to sell 20% of electric cars out of its total sales by 2030. The eVX is a crucial part of this strategy, and its testing phase in India indicates a significant step toward the company's electrification goals.
Maruti Suzuki's Chairman, RC Bhargava, shared insights into the company's electric vehicle strategy. He mentioned that Maruti Suzuki's first EV is expected to offer a remarkable range of 500 km or more, surpassing the current average range of mass-market EVs in India. The company's focus on affordability and value proposition sets the stage for its entry into the evolving electric vehicle landscape.
Conclusion
As Maruti Suzuki ventures into the electric vehicle segment, the testing of the eVX in India signals the company's commitment to embracing cleaner and more sustainable mobility. The eagerly awaited eVX, with its impressive range and competitive positioning, is poised to make a significant impact on the Indian electric vehicle market upon its official launch in 2025.
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