Suzuki takes a leap into the EV fold with the new e-Vitara BEV
Manufacturers appear to be producing a lot of these vehicles lately, despite slowing demand in other parts of the world. Electric cars, that is. Suzuki is the latest marque to venture into the battery electric vehicle (BEV) portfolio with its new e Vitara, which will be built at the brand’s plant in India in 2025.
The e Vitara, Suzuki's first crack at the BEV segment, is based on the eVX concept of yesteryear, and based on its features, it appears well-positioned to compete with other established battery-electric vehicles in the segment.
At a glance, the e Vitara looks similar to the regular model, and that is not a bad thing at all. After all, who said EVs must look weird? While Suzuki is yet to confirm the e Vitara’s availability and market-specific details in South Africa, the European market gets two battery options: a 49kWh, two-wheel-drive, and a 61kWh battery pack with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive. The former feeds power to a 106kW electric motor, while the latter powers either a 128kW motor in the 2WD model or 135kW in the case of the 4WD twin-motor variant.
As for the driving range, Suzuki says the e Vitara will travel up to 400km on a single charge, depending on the market. This will put it up against rivals such as the BMW iX1 and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
In terms of size, the e Vitara is 70mm shorter and 5mm narrower than the petrol-powered Suzuki Grand Vitara, with a wheelbase that is 100mm longer.
In an era where many EVs tip the weight scales at over 2 tonnes, the e Vitara’s weight of up to 1,900kg is quite impressive, especially when compared to models like the BMW iX1, which weighs just over 2,000kg.
As part of the Toyota-Suzuki MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), Toyota will likely rebadge the e Vitara at some point, and it will be the second model in its bZ-branded line-up of EVs. It makes sense seeing as the two heavyweights have been working together since 2016 on successful projects like the Baleno (Starlet), Ertiga (Rumion), and lately, the Fronx (Starlet Cross).
When asked about the possibilitty of introducing the e Vitara to the local market, Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketring Manager, Suzuki Auto SA said that it will depend on local market conditions. "At such an early stage all new model introductions are considered for South Africa, however confirmation will depend on local market conditions, viability and demand," he said.
