Suzuki E Vitara: Toyota-Powered Electric SUV Set to Conquer Global Markets
Suzuki and Toyota Join Forces to Launch Electric SUV
In a significant move towards electrification, Suzuki and Toyota have announced a collaborative effort to develop a 4WD-capable electric SUV. The partnership’s first fruit, the E Vitara, marks Suzuki’s entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market. Production is slated to commence at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India next spring.
The E Vitara is scheduled for launch in Europe, India, and Japan around the summer of next year. Industry insiders anticipate a Toyota-badged version, reminiscent of the Urban SUV Concept unveiled in 2023. This collaboration mirrors Toyota’s previous joint venture with Subaru, which resulted in the bZ4X EV and its Subaru counterpart, the Solterra EV.
Despite this progress, both Toyota and Suzuki have been cautious in their approach to EV adoption. Toyota has maintained a strong focus on hybrids and is developing a three-row electric SUV for the US market. Meanwhile, Suzuki’s President Toshihiro Suzuki recently announced that the company’s EV launch plans by 2030 are on hold due to cooling demand.
The E Vitara will be powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery, available in 49 kWh or 60 kWh capacities. While the 2WD option will be offered with both battery sizes, the 4WD variant will exclusively feature the larger battery. The vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 400km (approximately 248 miles) on a single charge.
In terms of performance, the E Vitara’s motor will deliver a peak output of 135 kW. This places it slightly behind the Chevy Bolt’s 150 kW output, although the E Vitara is marginally longer in size.
As of now, Suzuki has not disclosed pricing information for the E Vitara. Notably, the US market is not included in the initial launch plans, a strategy similar to that of Hyundai’s Inster.
This collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota represents a significant step in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification, potentially reshaping the landscape of the global EV market.
