Maruti Suzuki Showcases Its First EV Prototype

After promising that it would launch EVs in India by 2020, Maruti Suzuki has taken the wraps off its first all-electric prototype at the ongoing MOVE Global Mobility Summit in New Delhi. Based on the Heartect platform, it finds its origins in the Japan-spec WagonR which gets the option of a hybrid powertrain in its home market. The prototype, on the other hand, was developed in-house at Maruti’s plant in Gurugram, Haryana.

Apart from the prototype, the carmaker has produced a fleet of EVs for testing across India. Maruti hopes to put them through extensive tests to ensure their road reliability before they go on sale in 2020.

While the deadline might've been seen as overambitious at first, the company has been pretty aggressive towards meeting it. Just last year, Suzuki announced its partnership with Toyota for the development of electric cars. Both auto giants signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) under which Suzuki will develop EVs with technical support from Toyota. For the sole purpose of keeping the costs in check, the company also plans on producing lithium-ion batteries, electric motors and other EV-related components at its newest plant in Gujarat.

Press Release -

Maruti Suzuki commences fleet testing of Electric Vehicles in India

New Delhi, 7th September, 2018: Working towards its commitment to bring Electric Vehicle in India by 2020, Maruti Suzuki commences a nation-wide fleet testing of Electric Vehicles.

Testing of these Electric Vehicles will help to gather critical inputs based on customer perspectives. This extensive real life usage of the vehicles will help in validation and development of new technology. This exercise will help to create a reliable and suitable Electric Vehicle to delight Indian customers.

These Proto-type Electric Vehicles are developed on an existing model by Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan and manufactured at Maruti Suzuki Gurugram Plant in India, exclusively for fleet testing.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India said, “Maruti Suzuki is committed to bring Electric Vehicle in 2020. The testing in multiple terrains and climatic conditions will help us get valuable insights from real life driving conditions. With these tests, we are confident that our Electric Vehicle will be well accepted by our valued customers.”