Suzuki Motor Corporation has officially unveiled its first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, in Milan, Italy. This significant launch marks Suzuki’s entrance into the BEV market and aligns with its global strategy for carbon neutrality. Production is set to begin in spring 2025 at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant in India, with sales expected to roll out by summer 2025 across Europe, India, and Japan.
Based on the eVX concept first showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo in India and later at the Japan Mobility Show, the e VITARA carries the legacy of Suzuki’s renowned Vitara series but with an all-electric twist. The SUV is designed to offer a seamless blend of advanced technology, performance, and the ruggedness expected from an SUV.
Design: High-Tech Meets Adventure
The design of the e VITARA is a bold combination of modern electric vehicle aesthetics and SUV strength, embodying the concept of High-Tech & Adventure. The exterior is characterized by its large-diameter tires, a long wheelbase, and striking proportions that convey a sense of power and capability. Inside, the theme continues with an integrated display and advanced equipment, providing a futuristic driving experience. The tough-looking panels and center console reinforce the adventurous spirit of this all-electric SUV.
Powertrain: Efficient, Nimble, and Powerful
At the heart of the e VITARA lies an advanced BEV powertrain built for efficiency and performance. The model is equipped with the eAxle, which integrates the motor and inverter, powered by lithium iron-phosphate batteries. This setup ensures nimble acceleration, sharp performance during overtaking, and reliability thanks to the battery’s focus on safety and durability.
The e VITARA comes in two power options, offering up to 135 kW of total output in its top variant. The SUV promises quick and smooth performance from city drives to highway speeds, ensuring the familiar Vitara driving dynamics in an electric form.
ALLGRIP-e: Electric 4WD for Precision Control
For those who demand versatility, the ALLGRIP-e system offers a cutting-edge electric 4WD experience. With two independent eAxles for the front and rear, this system provides enhanced off-road capability and powerful performance on a variety of terrains. The Trail mode adds further capability, applying brakes to spinning tires and distributing torque to the opposite wheels to maintain control, much like a limited-slip differential (LSD) function.
Platform: Lightweight, Spacious, and Safe
The e VITARA is built on the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for BEVs. This platform features a lightweight structure and high-voltage protection, offering both safety and efficiency. It also provides a spacious interior, thanks to the short overhangs and smart packaging of the underfloor battery, making the e VITARA as practical as it is cutting-edge.
European Specifications Overview
| Specification | 2WD | 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 49, 61 | 61 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4,275 | 4,275 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1,635 | 1,635 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,700 | 2,700 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 180 | 180 |
| Maximum Output (kW) | 106, 128 | 135 |
| Maximum Torque (Nm) | 189 | 300 |
| Brakes | Ventilated disc (Front & Rear) | |
| Tires | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,702 | 1,860-1,899 |
Suzuki’s Vision for the Future
President Suzuki shared the significance of this launch, stating, “The e VITARA is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. As part of our commitment to a carbon-neutral society, Suzuki will offer a range of options including BEVs, hybrids, and CNG vehicles, tailored to the needs of different regions.”
The e VITARA is just the beginning of Suzuki’s BEV journey. As the company expands its electric lineup, the focus will remain on providing flexible, region-specific solutions that cater to varying mobility needs across the globe.
Source: Suzuki
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
