Maruti Suzuki’s Tata Tiago EV Challenger: Is It Wagon-R EV?

[Nairrk]

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to make a significant entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with a new electric hatchback anticipated to hit the roads by 2026-’27. The upcoming EV is expected to take on Tata Motors’ Tiago EV, a current leader in the compact EV segment. Maruti Suzuki’s foray into the EV landscape aims to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles in India.

The new small EV from Maruti Suzuki will be built on Suzuki’s eWX concept, which was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023. This move is part of Maruti Suzuki’s strategy to electrify the compact vehicle segment and compete with the Tiago EV, known for attracting first-time buyers to the electric vehicle market.

Maruti Suzuki is investing over Rs 10,000 crore in localizing EVs, reflecting a commitment to making EVs more accessible to Indian consumers. The company has set ambitious targets, aiming to sell half a million EVs annually by FY31.

To avoid the pitfalls encountered with the Wagon R EV project, Maruti Suzuki is developing an all-new EV architecture, codenamed K-EV. Unlike its predecessor, the K-EV will not be based on an internal combustion engine (ICE) platform but will instead utilize a ground-up skateboard platform. This new platform, named YY8, is derived from the global Toyota 40PL platform.

CV Raman, Chief Technology Officer at Maruti Suzuki, emphasized that all future Maruti Suzuki EVs will be ‘born-electric,’ highlighting a departure from ICE-derived platforms. The key to meeting cost targets for the K-EV lies in achieving a high level of localization, potentially extending to the battery cell level. While details about the battery supplier for the K-EV are yet to be disclosed, Suzuki Motor already have partnerships for battery production for its hybrid models.

With the introduction of the Creta EV and the impending launch of the K-EV, Maruti Suzuki is strategically positioning itself to offer a diverse range of EVs at various price points. This approach aligns with the company’s objective of capturing a significant share of the EV market.

In the fiercely competitive entry-level EV segment, where Tata Motors dominates with the Tiago EV selling approximately 10,000 to 15,000 units annually, Maruti Suzuki aims to make a strong impact with its highly localized hatchback. The company’s commitment to investing in the Indian EV market, coupled with plans to introduce several electric vehicles over the next decade, reflects a long-term vision for sustainable mobility.

As electric car prices approach parity with internal combustion engine vehicles, Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the EV space seems well-timed. With government support, including a lower 5 percent GST for electric vehicles and benefits under the production-linked incentive scheme, the EV market in India is poised for growth. Maruti Suzuki’s strategic move into the electric hatchback segment is expected to contribute significantly to expanding the EV market in the country.

CarToq

 

[Nairrk]

Suzuki eWX patented in India — Maruti WagonR electric on cards?

Maruti Suzuki is usually very cautious of taking a new leap forward and this holds true even for its upcoming range of electric vehicles (EV). For a long time, the carmaker has been hesitant in openly accepting changes and new technologies, until a concept of the eVX electric SUV was first unveiled at the Auto Expo 2023.

However, that will just be a start to Maruti’s EV revolution in India. At the Bangkok International Motor Show last year, parent company Suzuki showcased a concept EV named eWX which was later presented at the Japan Mobility Show a couple of months later. Now, a patent with the same design has been filed by Suzuki in India.

Suzuki eWX in India
Interestingly, the patent of eWX has been registered by Suzuki Motor Corporation and not by its Indian arm Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Suzuki classifies the eWX as an EV mini-wagon, but essentially it is an electric hatchback. Its quirky design is an instant catch. The tall pillars with a flat roofline gives it an SUV-like appearance. Speaking of quirky, the front face is quite unique with no real headlamps attached to it.

Instead, it makes do with a LED strip on the fascia and vertical LED DRLs on the bumper. Another interesting design element is the front windshield extending into the roof. The black claddings around the wheel arches further lends it an SUV appeal. The unique lighting setup at the front has been carried over to the rear as well.

Financial Express