Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Suzuki Motor Plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to mark the commencement of localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and to flag off the export of the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, the company’s first global battery electric vehicle, to over 100 countries. The e-Vitara, initially unveiled in India in January 2025 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, is a significant step for Suzuki. With a production capacity of 2.6 million units annually across four Indian plants, the company demonstrated its robust presence in FY25 by exporting over 3.32 lakh vehicles and selling 19.01 lakh units domestically. Beyond the e-Vitara, other models like the Suzuki Fronx and Jimny have also gained traction in international markets. The e-Vitara is set to compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta Electric. Notably, the e-Vitara will offer a rear-wheel-drive module in select trims, while the Hyundai Creta does not have RWD or AWD options. According to earlier reports, the e-Vitara will be equipped with a 75 kWh battery pack, with AWD available on the Empowered trim. It will also feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and ADAS Level 2 safety features. Comparisons are drawn between the Tata Harrier EV, the Suzuki e-Vitara, and the Hyundai Creta Electric. The e-Vitara, Suzuki’s maiden EV, boasts ventilated seats, adaptable boot space, and numerous modern features. Built on the new HEARTECT-e platform, the e-Vitara is designed specifically for EVs, prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and performance. The vehicle features a 61 kWh Lithium-ion battery, tested in extreme temperatures (-30°C to 60°C), and delivers an estimated range of 500 km. Price estimations have been detailed in a comparative table. The Hyundai Creta EV, another competitor, is expected with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery options, offering a claimed range of up to 473 km. However, the Creta EV lacks several drive features and off-road capabilities compared to the Tata Harrier EV, making it a more conventional subcompact SUV.
