Suzuki enters electric era with e Vitara SUV unveiling
Suzuki’s first-ever fully electric car has broken cover in Milan, propelling the brand into the electric era as a Kia EV3 rival.
Previewed by the eVX concept shown at the Auto Expo held in India in January 2023, it arrives in summer 2025 in various markets globally and will also be shared with Toyota to form its second EV.
Despite the shared name with the Vitara hybrid and mild hybrid SUV, it’s an all-new model that’s based on the newly developed Heartect-e platform designed specifically for BEVs to maximise battery capacity and onboard space.
A trio of powertrain options will be available, delivering two- and four-wheel drive solutions and with two different battery sizes.
The entry version features a front-mounted 144hp motor and 49kWh battery while the mid-spec model gets a 174hp e-motor and larger 61kWh battery. Both have 189Nm of torque.
The top-rung four-wheel-drive model gets the same 61kWh battery but adds in a 65hp rear motor with 300Nm of torque. It also features the Allgrip-e electric 4WD system that manages the two motors independently for offroad control. This also includes a Trail mode that can apply the brakes to spinning wheels and sending torque to the opposite wheel to enhance grip.
Range hasn’t been announced but Suzuki is reportedly targeting around 250 miles from the smaller battery and closer to 350 miles for the larger one.
Design retains the chunky outline of the eVX concept and is intended to combine “the advanced feel of a modern BEV and the strength of an SUV” based on a ‘High-Tech & Adventure’ theme.
Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki said: “The e Vitara is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers.
“In order to realise a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions.
“Introduction of the e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e Vitara, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”
Production will start at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India in spring 2025, with sales expected to begin in various countries, including Europe, India and Japan, around summer 2025. No pricing details have been revealed yet.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
