Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first-ever electric SUV – the e Vitara – at the carmaker’s Hansalpur manufacturing facility in Gujarat. Highlighting the occasion, PM Modi said that the launch represents a big step in India’s journey towards sustainable mobility and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The Maruti e Viarat will be shipped to over 100 global markets including Japan and Europe.
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TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Plant Inaugurated
PM Modi also inaugurated the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS lithium-ion battery plant in Gujarat. It’s India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility for hybrid vehicles with cell-level localization. This facility has been developed under a joint venture between Suzuki Motor Corporation (50% stake), Toshiba Corporation (40% stake) and Denso Corporation (10% stake).
New Heartect-e Platform, Battery & Range:
Based on the all-new skateboard Heartect-e platform, the Maruti e Vitara will be offered with two battery options – 49kWh and 61kWh. The larger battery pack will be available with an optional dual-motor AWD (all-wheel drive) system, which Suzuki has named e-AllGrip. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that the e Vitara will deliver a range of over 500km on global test cycle, likely referring to the larger 61kWh battery pack, dual motor, AWD variant.
The smaller 49kWh battery is paired to a single motor fitted on the front axle, producing a maximum power of 144bhp. The 61kWh battery pack with single motor offers a peak power of 174bhp. Torque figure for both variants is rated at 189Nm. The e-AllGrip AWD with an additional 65bhp motor on the rear axle, generates a maximum power of 184bhp and 300Nm of torque.
New Interior Design & Features:
The interior of the Maruti e Vitara looks different from the existing Maruti models. It features a floating dual screen setup (for the infotainment and instrument functionalities), a floating centra console in gloss black finish, a twin-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, horizontally stacked dashboard, rectangular AC vents with brushed silver surrounds, part leatherette upholstery, wireless phone charger, single zone auto climate control, ADAS, multiple airbags and more.
