Suzuki unveiled its first mass-produced battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, in Milan, Italy on November 4, 2024. This marks Suzuki’s final entry into the EV market.
Suzuki’s first mass-produced EV “e VITARA” article summary
- Suzuki’s first mass-produced battery EV (BEV).
- Production will begin in India in the spring of 2025, with the car set to be released in Europe, India, Japan and other countries from around the summer of the same year.
- The concept is “Emotional Versatile Cruiser.”
- A design that combines a cutting-edge feel with strength.
- Uses a highly efficient eAxle and lithium iron phosphate battery.
- Equipped with electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e” (4WD model).
- Adopts the BEV-specific platform “HEARTECT-e”.
- It was also developed as the base model for Toyota’s new SUV, the bZ.
- Two battery capacities are available: 49kWh and 61kWh.
- Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available.
- With an overall length of 4,275mm and a wheelbase of 2,700mm, it is larger than the current Vitara.
- Advanced interior with digital instrument pack and touchscreen.
Suzuki e VITARA exterior
Suzuki-e-Vitara-2024 Exterior
Production will begin in India in the spring of 2025, with sales scheduled to begin in Europe, India, and other countries around the world, including Japan, from around the summer of the same year. The e VITARA, Suzuki’s first BEV global strategic vehicle, was developed based on the concept model “eVX,” which was unveiled at the Auto Expo held in India in January 2023 and the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW held in Japan in October of the same year.
Based on the concept of “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” it combines modernity and power.
Based on the concept of an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the e VITARA combines a sophisticated design that looks great both in the city and outdoors with the strength and power of an SUV.
The exterior is impressive, with its large-diameter tires and long wheelbase creating a dignified appearance. Sharp headlights and distinctive LED combination lamps at the rear emphasize its cutting-edge image.
Suzuki e VITARA interior
Suzuki-e-Vitara-2024 Interior
The interior is a blend of cutting-edge equipment such as an integrated display and tough-looking panels and center console, creating a sophisticated yet powerful SUV feel. The spacious interior space promises a comfortable drive.
It combines the brisk driving of an EV with the powerful driving of an SUV.
The e VITARA is equipped with a BEV powertrain that employs a highly efficient eAxle and a lithium-ion iron phosphate battery, providing the brisk driving performance that only an EV can offer, including powerful acceleration when starting off or overtaking.
Furthermore, it is equipped with the ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD system, which brings together Suzuki’s four-wheel drive technology. By independently controlling the two front and rear eAxles, it achieves both powerful driving and precise control.
It also has excellent off-road performance. Even on roads where one tire lifts off the ground, the LSD function applies the brakes to the spinning tire and distributes drive torque to the other tire, allowing you to escape smoothly.
The BEV-specific platform “HEARTECT-e” achieves weight reduction and high-voltage protection
The e VITARA is built on the newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, specifically developed for BEVs. It combines a lightweight structure with high-voltage protection performance, achieving the quietness and comfortable ride that only an EV can offer.
The short overhang design ensures a spacious interior, and the main floor has no underfloor member, maximizing battery capacity and contributing to an extended driving range.
e VITARA accelerates Suzuki’s carbon neutral efforts
Suzuki Motor Corporation President and CEO Toshihiro Suzuki said of the e VITARA, “This is Suzuki’s first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to make it easy for customers to use. As we work towards realizing a carbon-neutral society, we will offer a variety of options to suit each region, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles. The launch of the e VITARA marks a very important milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Starting with the e VITARA, we will continue to expand our BEV lineup and propose mobility that is right for the right place in each country and region.”
The e VITARA will accelerate Suzuki’s electrification strategy and will be an important model that will contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Suzuki’s first EV “eVitara” is here! A sister car to Toyota’s “bZ”, from India to the world
Fifteen years after the Nissan Leaf brought EVs into a realistic price range, many automakers are accelerating their electrification strategies, and Suzuki has finally unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, the eVitara.
Suzuki e VITARA front view
The eVitara, which will be produced in India, is also attracting attention as the base model for Toyota’s new SUV, the bZ. The eVitara, created through collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota, is scheduled to be exported to global markets.
The eVitara is a dedicated EV model that is completely different from the existing Vitara.
The eVitara is a dedicated EV model that sets itself apart from the internal combustion engine Vitara that Suzuki released nine years ago. Developed based on last year’s eVX concept, the eVitara uses Suzuki’s Heartect-e EV platform and heavily borrows design elements from the concept car, such as boxy wheel arches, a slim grille, and a swooping window line.
Suzuki e VITARA side view
With an overall length of 4,275mm and a wheelbase of 2,700mm, it is slightly larger than the existing Vitara, providing a spacious interior.
Two battery types and front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive options available
The eVitara is available with two battery capacities, 49kWh and 61kWh, and in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Front-wheel drive models are equipped with a 142hp motor with a 49kWh battery and a 172hp motor with a 61kWh battery, with larger batteries available for longer range.
The four-wheel drive model is equipped with a 61kWh battery and front and rear motors, delivering a total system output of 181hp for powerful driving.
Advanced interior and comprehensive equipment
The interior of the eVitara is dominated by a large glass panel at the top of the dashboard, which houses the digital instrument pack and central touchscreen, giving the car a modern look.
Suzuki e VITARA interior
According to Suzuki, the cabin has a “high-tech and adventure” theme and is finished with a heavy-duty coating.
“Allgrip-e” system that utilizes Suzuki’s four-wheel drive technology
The eVitara is equipped with Suzuki’s Allgrip-e system, which utilizes its four-wheel drive technology. In Trail mode, the brakes are controlled to mimic the behavior of a conventional limited-slip differential, improving off-road performance.
Suzuki e VITARA specs
| item | Suzuki e VITARA 2WD (49kWh) |
Suzuki e VITARA 2WD (61kWh) |
Suzuki e VITARA 4WD (61kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,275mm | 4,275mm | 4,275mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm | 1,800mm | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,635mm | 1,635mm | 1,635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm | 2,700mm | 2,700mm |
| Tread – Front | 1,540mm | 1,540mm | 1,540mm |
| Tread – Rear | 1,545mm | 1,545mm | 1,545mm |
| ground clearance | 180mm | 180mm | 180mm |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.2m | 5.2m | 5.2m |
| Battery capacity | 49kWh | 61kWh | 61kWh |
| Motor maximum output – front | 106kW | 128kW | 128kW |
| Motor Maximum Output – Rear | – | – | 48kW |
| Motor Maximum Power – Total | 106kW | 128kW | 135kW |
| Maximum torque | 189Nm | 189Nm | 300Nm |
| Drive system | 2WD | 2WD | 4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| transmission | 1-speed electric drive | 1-speed electric drive | 1-speed electric drive |
| Brakes – Front | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Brake – Rear | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| tire | 225/55 R18 | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 | 225/55 R18, 225/50 R19 |
| Vehicle weight | 1,702 kg | 1,760kg – 1,799kg | 1,860kg – 1,899kg |
Production will begin in India in spring 2025, with sales to countries around the world starting in summer.
Production of the eVitara is scheduled to begin at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s Indian plant in the spring of 2025, with sales to Europe, India, and Japan scheduled to begin in the summer. The plant will also manufacture a Toyota version of the SUV, so future developments are anticipated.
summary
Suzuki’s first mass-produced EV, the eVitara, is an appealing model that combines cutting-edge design, the brisk driving performance of an EV, and the powerful feel of an SUV. Developed in collaboration with Toyota, the eVitara is sure to make its presence felt in the global market.
Suzuki has finally released the long-awaited mass-produced EV! The eVitara combines stylish design with the power of an SUV, and is also environmentally friendly, making it a true next-generation SUV.
Of particular note is the EV-specific platform “HEARTECT-e,” developed in collaboration with Toyota. It combines lightweight design with high-voltage protection, and is said to achieve the quietness and comfortable ride that only an EV can offer.
Another attractive feature is the ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD system, which makes use of Suzuki’s four-wheel drive technology. It also has excellent off-road performance, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
It is scheduled to be released in Japan around summer 2025, so I can’t wait!
Furthermore, the eVitara will be produced in India, making it a model that will likely play an important role in Suzuki’s global strategy.
News Release
