- Codenamed YY8, the all-electric SUV will come with a claimed range of around 400-500 kilometres.
- Maruti Suzuki will showcase the EV in concept form at the 2023 Auto Expo
- The market launch of the EV SUV is slated for around 2025, here are 5 things to know about the vehicle.
Update: Maruti Suzuki Showcased the eVX all-electric SUV concept at the 2023 Auto Expo
Maruti Suzuki is the largest carmaker in India and probably one of the few brands that haven't fully debuted in the EV market space. Codenamed YY8, the EV SUV will be the first all-electric offering from the Indo-Japanese car maker. The launch of the four-wheeler is expected to take place around 2025 and it will be showcased on 11th January at the 2023 Auto Expo in concept form. Here are 5 things to know about the Nexon EV Rival, Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV.
The YY8 Electric SUV will be based on the Futuro-e Concept, showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Watch the video below to get an idea of the YY8 concept.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV: The Auto Expo Connection
Maruti Suzuki has been working on its first EV for a long time and the upcoming 2023 Auto Expo will be the 3rd instalment of the motor show where the carmaker has showcased its concept EV. In 2018, the Future-S and Futuro-e in the year 2020, were two similar concepts which were a part of the brand's future electric vehicle development plan.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV: Exterior Design and Dimensions
In terms of exterior design, the YY8 will sport a futuristic silhouette something in line with the Futuro-e concept. In terms of dimensions, it will measure around 4.2 meters in length with a wheelbase of 2700mm. Some of the notable design elements include a typical EV blanked-off front grille, flared wheel arches and aero-optimised wheels amongst others.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV: Underpinnings and Powertrain
The YY8 will be based on the brand's 27PL Skateboard architecture which is derived from Toyota's global 40PL platform. This will enable the EV SUV to take the advantage of a longer wheelbase, thus leveraging more space for a larger battery pack as well as more cabin room.
In order to extend the range of choices for customers, Maruti Suzuki will likely offer a few battery pack options. If some media reports are to be believed, the four-wheeler will be made available in a 48 kWh and 59 kWh battery pack, with a claimed electric driving range in the 400-500 kilometres ballpark.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV: Development and Production
The YY8 electric SUV is being jointly developed by Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. This means that both brands will have their own versions of the electric vehicle. Once launched, the EV will be a part of the brand's global product portfolio. It will be produced at Maruti Suzuki's Gujrat-based manufacturing facility and half of the production capacity will be allocated for export to international markets.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV: Launch Timeline, Expected Pricing and Rivals
As this will be the first all-electric product from Maruti Suzuki, it will likely be launched in the year 2025. In terms of pricing, it will command a sticker value of Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will stand neck to neck with the Tata Nexon EV and the upcoming XUV 400.
Verdict: There can be a number of reasons for Maruti Suzuki's delayed entry into the EV market space. Having said that, currently, the segment is led by Tata Motors and Mahindra will soon join the party. The Indo-Japanese carmaker will launch its first EV in the form of the YY8 electric SUV in 2025. As of now, a lot of important details are under wraps and we expect a lot to unfold with its showcase in concept form at the 2023 Auto Expo.
