India’s electric vehicle landscape is about to get a major new contender. Maruti Suzuki, the country’s automotive leader, is set to launch its first all-electric SUV—the e Vitara—in January. This marks a pivotal moment for the brand and for Indian EV buyers, bringing Maruti’s trusted reach into the rapidly growing mid-size electric SUV segment.
The e Vitara won’t just be another new model; it arrives with a statement of intent. Before a single unit has reached customers, it has already secured a top-tier 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests, scoring impressively high marks for both adult and child occupant protection. This achievement immediately addresses a core concern for modern families considering the switch to electric.
Building Confidence Beyond the Car
Understanding that an EV is more than just a vehicle—it’s an ecosystem—Maruti has been working to tackle range anxiety head-on. The company has strategically partnered with 13 major charging operators to create a unified, widespread network accessible through a single platform. Furthermore, they’ve already installed over 2,000 charging stations at their own dealerships and service centers across India, ensuring help is never far away.
To prove the capability of both the car and this emerging network, Maruti recently embarked on an ambitious demonstration. Four e Vitara SUVs were flagged off from Gurugram, each destined for a far corner of India: Srinagar, Kanyakumari, Dibrugarh, and Bhuj. The journey wasn’t just for show; it validated a real-world driving range of up to 543 kilometers on a single charge, a figure that promises to ease long-distance travel worries for prospective owners.
What the e Vitara Brings to the Road
Slated to be sold through Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets, the e Vitara is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform (Heartect-e). Buyers will have two battery options, both using BYD’s LFP chemistry known for its durability and safety:
- A 48.8 kWh battery paired with a 144 PS electric motor.
- A larger 61.1 kWh battery paired with a more powerful 174 PS motor.
Both configurations offer the same healthy torque of 192.5 Nm for strong acceleration and support fast DC charging, capable of replenishing the battery from 0 to 80% in approximately 50 minutes.
Inside, the cabin is designed to feel modern and tech-forward. Drivers are greeted by a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a central 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. Practical luxuries include power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera for easy maneuvering.
On the safety and assistance front, the e Vitara is generously equipped. It comes with a comprehensive suite of Level 2 ADAS features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control that can navigate curves.
- Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning.
- Lane Keep and Departure Prevention aids.
- Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
This is bolstered by seven airbags, disc brakes on all four wheels, an Electronic Stability Program, and an integrated SOS system.
Positioning and Promise
With deliveries expected to begin shortly after the January launch, the e Vitara is poised to enter a competitive fray. It will challenge established players like the MG ZS EV and Tata Curvv EV, as well as upcoming models like the Hyundai Creta Electric and next-generation Mahindra EVs. Industry experts anticipate its starting price to be slightly above ₹ 17 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium yet accessible offering.
Maruti Suzuki’s commitment extends beyond this single model. The company has already begun exporting the e Vitara from its Gujarat plant and has set an ambitious goal of facilitating over 100,000 public charging points in India by 2030. The e Vitara, therefore, is not just a new car launch—it’s the beginning of Maruti Suzuki’s electric chapter, built on a foundation of proven safety, practical range, and a nationwide support system designed to win over the Indian driver.
