Maruti entered the EV space in India with the e Vitara recently. The brand has also a few days back revealed the e Sky EV in Japan. Now, reports suggest that another small electric car is being developed for India, and this one could sit below the e Vitara with a price close to Rs 10 lakh.
The new model is expected to be a small electric car for city and suburban use. Reports suggest a price of Rs 8.5 lakh to Rs 10.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
Small EV with a simple target
Maruti is reportedly developing it on a dedicated EV platform. This can help the company plan the battery and cabin around electric power. Some expected details are:
- Expected price: Rs 8.5 lakh-Rs 10.5 lakh
- Expected range: around 250-315 km
- Small battery pack is likely
- India production is expected
- Exports are also planned
- Launch could happen within the next two years
Maruti has not yet confirmed the battery, motor, charging time, or launch date.
Arena network may be used
Maruti sells the e Vitara through its Nexa outlets. The smaller EV could take a different route and be sold through Arena dealerships. This could make a big difference.
Arena handles cars such as the Swift and WagonR, giving the EV a direct reach to affordable car buyers. A small EV sold at these outlets could be easier to consider for people already looking at Maruti’s petrol cars.
The car is expected to be built at Hansalpur in Gujarat, which also produces the e Vitara and serves as an export base.
What the e Sky tells us
Suzuki’s e Sky gives some clues about the company’s small EV plans, but there is no confirmed link to the Indian car.
The e Sky measures 3,395 mm long and has a 2,460 mm wheelbase. It uses a 26 kWh battery and has a claimed range of up to 310 km. Its tall body offers useful cabin space in a small footprint.
The India car could use a different battery, motor and body. Still, a compact size and moderate battery could help keep costs under control.
Competition will be strong
The car could face the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Punch EV and MG Comet EV. Hyundai is also preparing a small electric model for India. India’s EV market is growing fast, but cars below Rs 10 lakh still make up a small part of sales. That leaves space for a Maruti EV with a sensible price, useful range and a wide service network.
What to expect
Maruti plans six EVs in India by FY31. This small car could be one of the most important products in that plan because it would bring the brand into a much lower price bracket.
Price will be the big question. If Maruti can keep the car affordable without cutting too much on range, safety and charging convenience, it could attract many first-time EV buyers.