Maruti e-Vitara Launched With Starting Price of 10.99 Lakh

The electric vehicle market saw Maruti Suzuki introducing its first fully electric SUV, the e-Vitara. With an initial price of ₹10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the car has an innovative ownership concept of Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS). This launch marks the strategic change in the manufacturer as it expands its Born Electric INGLO-based portfolio locally and abroad.

Innovative Ownership and Range Capabilities

A unique pricing strategy is introduced where the complete battery price isn’t included in vehicle price. Rather, it uses a rental program where the buyer has to pay for battery usage only at ₹3.99 per km. This BaaS model further extends its offer as buyers will get a complementary charger and installation worth ₹50,000. Also, one year of free charging across its public network.

Technical and performance highlights include:

• Battery & Range: The battery is available in two sizes with 49 kWh and 61.1 kWh. The bigger pack has a certified range of 543km.

• Variant Lineup: The SUV comes in three different trims which include Delta, Zeta and Alpha. The foundation Delta trim is combined with the 49 kWh battery, and the upper ones apply the 61.1 kWh.

• Performance: The e Vitara accelerates between 0 and 100 kmph within roughly 8.9 seconds using its 1.2L equivalent engine.

• Charging Infrastructure: More than 2,000 charging points have been installed in 1,100 cities.

Safety Standards and Tech Features

The e-Vitara provides a high degree of safety and technology. In that regard, it competes with some established competitors such as the Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Curvv EV. The car is built on a dedicated EV platform. More than 60% of its body is made of high-tensile steel, providing a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety score.

The main interior and safety characteristics are:

• Digital Ecosystem: 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment and wireless smartphone connectivity upgraded and a redesigned user interface.
• High Safety: Base models have 6 airbags, ESC and TPMS, but higher-specification Alpha models have Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera and ventilated chairs.

• Global Co-operation: Developed in partnership with Toyota, the e-Vitara is manufactured in India as a global hub. It has already exported thousands of units to international markets.