Introduction
Maruti Suzuki, a prominent player in the Indian automotive market, is gearing up to make a significant stride in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. The company's much-anticipated electric model, the Maruti Suzuki eVX, is set to make its debut by the end of 2024. The confirmation came from Toshihiro Suzuki, the President of Suzuki Motor Corp, Japan, during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024.
Manufacturing and Global Reach
Suzuki stated that the eVX would roll off the production line at Suzuki Motor Gujarat, emphasizing that this EV is not just for the Indian market and the company has ambitious plans to export the eVX to Japan and various European countries. An intriguing aspect is that the entire manufacturing process including the sourcing of essential components like the powertrain and battery pack, will be done locally in India and this localization strategy aims to position the eVX competitively in terms of pricing.
eVX: A Compact Contender
The Maruti Suzuki eVX belongs to the compact electric SUV category, sharing a similar size profile with the Grand Vitara. Positioned to compete with other electric SUVs like the MG ZS EV and the upcoming Tata Curvv EV, the eVX made its initial debut as a concept car at Auto Expo 2023. Subsequently, an evolved version of the concept was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.
Advanced Features and Specifications
- Welcome-Goodbye Sequence for ORVMs: Technological advancements in the eVX include a welcome-goodbye sequence featuring auto-fold Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs).
- Premium Interior: The cabin of the compact SUV undergoes notable changes with new seats adorned in a combination of fabric and leatherette material offering a range of colors and patterns.
- Enhanced Steering Wheel: A leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching enhances the interior aesthetics, adding to the overall appeal of the vehicle.
- Modern Features: The eVX comes equipped with a bezel-less auto-dimming Inside Rear View Mirror (IRVM), replacing the standard version found in its predecessor.
- Cruise Control: The RXZ Energy variant features cruise control making it a standard feature across all turbo variants.
- Additional Features: The 2024 eVX range includes auto air conditioning, power-fold ORVMs (introduced from the RXT(O) variant), and LED cabin lamps on all variants.
Electric Powertrain and Range
At Auto Expo 2023, the eVX concept showcased impressive specifications, including a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a substantial 60kWh battery pack and the claimed range of 550km positioned it as a formidable contender in the electric SUV segment. Anticipating diverse consumer preferences, it is expected that the eVX will also be available with a single-motor front-wheel-drive option, aligning with its Toyota equivalent.
Impact on the Indian EV Market
The Maruti Suzuki eVX's accelerated introduction is a big step forward for anybody thinking about switching to electric cars. With Maruti Suzuki's widespread service and sales network and the eVX being the company's inaugural battery electric model it has the potential to pose a formidable challenge to current leaders in the Indian EV space, notably Tata Motors. The competitive pricing strategy coupled with locally sourced components is poised to make the Maruti Suzuki eVX an appealing choice for Indian consumers.
Expected Pricing
Industry experts anticipate that the Maruti Suzuki eVX will be competitively priced, with projections placing it at just under Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). With its affordable price and Maruti Suzuki's well-established reputation for dependability and servicing the eVX is well-positioned to play a significant role in determining the direction of the Indian market for electric vehicles. As the automotive industry develops the eVX may provide buyers with a convincing substitute for conventional combustion-engine cars aiding in the continuous transition to environmentally benign and sustainable modes of transportation.