Suzuki has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle (EV) in Europe.
Called the e Vitara, the 5-seater is scheduled to go into production in India in early 2025, with sales expected to begin in various countries – including Europe, India, and Japan – around summer 2025.
The e Vitara is based on the concept model eVX, showcased in January 2023, and will sit on a newly developed, EV-specific platform called Heartect-e.
The powertrain consists of an eAxle that integrates the motor and inverter, along with lithium iron-phosphate batteries and there is an electric 4WD system – Allgrip-e – option that features two independent eAxles at the front and rear. This system includes a Trail mode designed to get the e Vitara over rough terrain by applying a Limited Slip Differential function.
Both two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options are available, with 2WD models getting either a
49kWh battery paired with a 106kW/ 189Nm motor, or a bigger 61kWh battery paired with a 128kW/189Nm motor. The 4WD e Vitara gets the 61kWh battery with a 128kW motor at the front and a 48kW motor at the rear. Max torque is 300Nm.
The e Vitara is 4275mm in overall length, 1800mm wide and 1635mm tall. The wheelbase is 2700mm.
Exactly what features and functions will come with the eVitara is not clear as yet, but it will likely be fully stocked, and internal images do suggest a pretty premium-looking vehicle with plenty of trimmings.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2024 / January 2025)
30 January 2025