Introduction

In an exciting development for electric vehicle enthusiasts, Suzuki and Toyota have announced their collaboration on the E Vitara, a brand-new compact 4WD-capable electric SUV. Unveiled in Italy yesterday, the E Vitara marks Suzuki's first foray into the electric vehicle market and is set to roll off the production line at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India starting next spring.

Availability and Partnerships

Anticipated to hit showrooms in Europe, India, and Japan around the summer of 2024, the E Vitara will also have a Toyota counterpart that resembles the Urban SUV Concept introduced by Toyota earlier this year. This partnership mirrors Toyota's recent collaboration with Subaru, resulting in the bZ4X EV being rebadged as the Solterra EV.

Automaker Hesitation

Despite this promising step into the electric realm, both automakers have been somewhat hesitant to fully embrace EV technology. Toyota has continued to prioritize hybrid models and is focusing on developing a three-row electric SUV for the U.S. market. Meanwhile, Suzuki has paused its ambitious plans to launch multiple electric models by 2030, with President Toshihiro Suzuki indicating that they will "monitor the situation" in light of fluctuating demand for EVs.

Battery and Performance

The E Vitara is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery, available in two capacities: 49 kWh or 60 kWh. While both capacities can be configured in a 2WD setup, only the larger 60 kWh is available for those seeking a 4WD experience. According to reports from The Japan Times, drivers can expect to achieve an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers (approximately 248 miles) on a single charge.

Specifications

In terms of performance, the E Vitara's motor boasts a peak output of 135 kW, which is slightly less powerful when compared to the Chevrolet Bolt, which delivers 150 kW and is also a compact SUV. Despite being a bit underpowered, the E Vitara's compact design could make it a strong contender in urban environments.

Pricing and Market Availability

As of now, Suzuki has not released pricing information for the E Vitara, and similar to Hyundai's smaller Inster model, there are currently no plans to launch the E Vitara in the U.S. market.

Conclusion

With the automotive industry leaning more towards electric options, it will be intriguing to see how this partnership evolves and whether the E Vitara will ignite broader interest in Suzuki's electric vehicle offerings. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting story develops!