Maruti Suzuki has started shipping its debut EV, e Vitara, to overseas markets. The first batch of Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, consisting of over 2,900 units, was shipped from Pipavav Port in Gujarat earlier today. This shipment will reach 12 European countries – the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Austria, and Belgium.
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Table of Contents
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: India launch soon
The production of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on August 12. Maruti plans on exporting its debut EV to over 100 countries. The electric SUV is already on sale in the UK. Its prices start at £26,249 (~Rs 31.03 lakh) and go up to £32,049 (~Rs 37.88 lakh). The e Vitara has not been launched in India yet. The automaker will launch its new midsize SUV, Escudo, in India on September 3.
Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s recognition of Maruti Suzuki as a brand ambassador of ‘Make in India’ is the highest possible honour we could think of. The start of export of e VITARA to Europe is indeed a proud and defining moment for us. To delight customers in over 100 countries, the product has to be truly world class in terms of technology, design, safety and performance. Built on an all-new electric vehicle (EV) platform, HEARTECT-e, the e VITARA features a design that combines a sense of advanced technology and strength. We are sure that with a nimble and sharp driving experience, it will delight customers in Europe.”
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara stands at dimensions of 4,272mm x 1,800mm x 1,640mm and has a 2,700mm wheelbase. It comes in 2 battery pack sizes – 49kWh and 61kWh. The 61kWh battery pack can last up to 500km on a single charge. The front-mounted electric motor puts out 143hp on the 49kWh variants and 173hp on the 61kWh. Its full variant list and prices will be revealed upon launch.
In terms of features, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara packs a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a rear seat armrest with cup holders, connected car tech, a fixed-glass sunroof, and more. On the safety front, it rocks 7 airbags, an Electronic Parking Brake, All-Disc Brakes, e-Call functionality, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and more. There is a Level 2 ADAS package onboard as well.
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Final Thoughts
Maruti is planning a festive season launch for the e Vitara in India. It is expected to fetch up to Rs 20 lakh. Once it is launched, it will face tough competition from the Hyundai Creta Electric, Toyota Urban Cruiser EV, Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, Tata Nexon EV, and MG Windsor EV.
