Suzuki's First Electric Car: The e Vitara Arrives Summer 2025
All images in this blog have been taken from the Suzuki’s official press release
In a groundbreaking move, Suzuki has finally announced its first-ever all-electric vehicle – the e Vitara. Set to hit European roads in the summer of 2025, this isn't just another electric SUV joining the market. It is a milestone for one of the last mainstream manufacturers to enter the electric vehicle (EV) space, and they're doing so with a completely reimagined version of their most iconic model.
With the UK's 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars approaching, Suzuki's entry into the electric market with the e Vitara represents a major shift in the accessibility of electric vehicles. While established players like Kia and Skoda are pushing upmarket with their EV3 and Elroq models, Suzuki's reputation for delivering reliable, practical vehicles at competitive price points suggests the e Vitara could make electric cars more accessible to a wider audience.
What makes this launch particularly interesting is that the e Vitara isn't simply an electrified version of the current Suzuki Vitara. Instead, it's built on an entirely new EV-specific platform called HEARTECT-e, featuring cutting-edge four-wheel drive capabilities and promising to maintain Suzuki's renowned off-road heritage in the electric era.
Some Highlights Of The e Vitara
Release Date and Production
The family-friendly e Vitara will begin production in spring 2025 at Suzuki's Gujarat facility in India, with European deliveries expected to start in summer 2025. This global strategic model will be available across Europe, India, and Japan, marking Suzuki's official entry into the electric vehicle market.
Key Specifications
Built on an entirely new EV platform, the e Vitara comes with impressive dimensions and performance figures that position it firmly in the compact SUV segment.
Length: 4,275mm (200mm longer than the current Vitara)
Wheelbase: 2,700mm
Battery Options: 49kWh or 61kWh
Power Output: Up to 135kW (181bhp) in the dual-motor variant
Drive Options: Available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations
Ground Clearance: 180mm for confident off-road capability
Expected Pricing While official pricing hasn't been announced, industry experts anticipate the e Vitara to be competitively positioned at around £30,000 for the entry-level model. This would place it in direct competition with the Skoda Elroq (£31,500) and slightly below the Kia EV3 (£33,000).
Standout Features
Suzuki has packed the e Vitara with innovative technology and practical features that set it apart from both its predecessor and its competitors:
ALLGRIP-e: Suzuki's innovative electric 4WD system with independent front and rear eAxles
Trail Mode: Advanced traction control system mimicking limited-slip differential functionality
Modern Interior: Integrated digital display combining driver information and infotainment
New Platform: Purpose-built HEARTECT-e platform optimized for electric power
Lithium Iron-Phosphate Battery: Chosen for enhanced battery longevity, safety and reliability
Spacious Design: Extended wheelbase offers increased interior room compared to the current Vitara
What's New and Notable: Evolution of a Suzuki Icon
Size and Space
The new e Vitara marks a significant departure from its predecessor in terms of physical dimensions. At 4,275mm long, it stretches 200mm beyond the current Vitara, with most of this growth dedicated to the wheelbase. The extra 200mm between the wheels improves stability and that translates directly into more interior space for passengers and cargo.
The new model is also wider and taller, creating a more commanding presence on the road whilst still being suitable for city driving.
ALLGRIP-e
Suzuki's renowned ALLGRIP system has been reimagined for the electric era. The new ALLGRIP-e system employs two independent eAxles - one for each axle - delivering precise control and excellent responsiveness.
What sets the e Vitara apart is the intelligent Trail mode, which uses sophisticated electronics to mimic the function of a limited-slip differential. When wheels start to spin on challenging terrain, the system automatically applies brakes to the spinning wheels while redirecting power to those with grip, ensuring the e Vitara maintains Suzuki's reputation for genuine off-road capability.
Battery and Range
Suzuki offers two battery options to suit different driving needs and budgets. The entry-level 49kWh battery version promises up to 249 miles of range in its most efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.
While range figures for the larger 61kWh battery haven't been officially confirmed, it's expected to push beyond 300 miles in optimal conditions. Both variants use lithium-iron-phosphate battery technology, chosen specifically for its proven reliability and enhanced safety characteristics.
From Concept to Reality
The journey from the eVX concept shown at the 2023 Auto Expo to the production e Vitara demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to practical design. While the concept's exterior has dramatic flush door handles and some of its more futuristic elements didn't make it to production, the essential character remains intact.
The production model maintains the concept's angular wheel arches and gently sloping roofline but adds practical elements like conventional door handles and more traditional bumper designs. The result is a modern electric SUV that balances forward-thinking design with everyday usability.
Technology Deep-Dive: Inside Suzuki's Electric Innovation
The HEARTECT-e Platform: Built for an Electric Future Suzuki's new HEARTECT-e platform represents a ground-up approach to electric vehicle design. Unlike adapted combustion platforms, this purpose-built EV architecture offers several key advantages:
Optimized Battery Integration
Eliminated underfloor members to maximize battery capacity
Integrated high-voltage protection systems
Lightweight structural design
Smart Design Elements
Short overhangs for improved manoeuvrability
Enhanced structural rigidity
Optimized weight distribution
Spacious interior packaging
Modern Interior Technology
The e Vitara's cabin showcases Suzuki's most advanced interior to date:
Main Display Setup:
Integrated digital driver display
Central infotainment touchscreen
Single-panel design for clean aesthetics
Convenience Features:
Wireless charging pad
Multiple USB charging ports
Physical climate control buttons
Floating centre console design
Rotary gear selector
Powertrain Configurations
| Configuration | Power Output | Battery Size | Drive Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 142 bhp | 49kWh | Front-wheel drive |
| Mid-Range | 171 bhp | 61kWh | Front-wheel drive |
| Top Spec | 181 bhp | 61kWh | All-wheel drive (AllGrip-e) |
ALLGRIP-e System
Advanced 4x4 Technology The dual-motor ALLGRIP-e system brings several innovations:
Performance Features
Independent front and rear eAxles
Advanced torque vectoring
Trail mode with LSD functionality
Intelligent power distribution
Enhanced traction control
Trail Mode Capabilities
Automatic wheel spin detection
Smart brake force distribution
Dynamic torque management
Terrain-specific programming
Charging Capabilities
While Suzuki hasn't released official charging specifications, the HEARTECT-e platform's high-voltage architecture suggests:
Expected Charging Times*:
Home Charging (7.4kW AC):
49kWh battery: approximately 7-8 hours
61kWh battery: approximately 9-10 hours
Fast Charging Capability:
DC rapid charging expected
Details on charging speeds pending
Multiple charging standards support likely
*Note: Final charging specifications are to be confirmed by Suzuki. Real-word efficiency is not yet known.
Market Analysis: The e Vitara's Position in a Growing Electric SUV Market
The compact electric SUV segment is becoming increasingly more populated, with the e Vitara entering at a crucial time when consumers are looking for more options. Here's how it stacks up against key competitors:
| undefined | Suzuki e Vitara | Kia EV3 | Skoda Elroq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~£30,000 (estimated) | £32,995 | £31,500 |
| Battery Size | 49/64kWh | 58kWh | 56kWh |
| Range (WTLP) | Up to 249 miles | 260 miles | 270 miles |
| Unique Selling Point | True off-road capability | Premium features | Practical design |
| Target Market | Adventure-seekers | Urban families | Value-conscious buyers |
If you are looking for other suitable competitors, check out our Tesla Model Y alternatives guide.
Suzuki's Strategic Position
The e Vitara represents more than just Suzuki's first EV - it's a strategic pivot for the brand:
Complements existing hybrid lineup
Maintains Suzuki's value-for-money proposition
Targets both existing Suzuki loyalists and new EV adopters
Positions Suzuki as a serious player in the electric market
The Toyota Connection
The e Vitara's development highlights the strengthening partnership between Suzuki and Toyota:
Platform sharing benefits both manufacturers
Toyota to release its own version under the bZ sub-brand
Shared technology reduces development costs
Combined production volumes enhance economies of scale
Expert Analysis and Future Implications
Here’s what Gaurav Ahluwalia, Marketing Director at The Electric Car Scheme thinks about the e Vitara and the future of Suzuki:
"The arrival of the e Vitara is particularly exciting for the salary sacrifice market. With an expected starting price of around £30,000, combined with salary sacrifice savings of 30-60%, this could make the e Vitara one of the most affordable ways to access a capable electric SUV.
What's especially interesting is how this positions electric off-roaders within reach of many more drivers - we're seeing growing interest in electric SUVs that can handle both the school run and weekend adventures, and the e Vitara's ALLGRIP-e system could make it a compelling option for salary sacrifice customers looking for versatility without compromise."
Market impact:
Introduces affordable electric 4x4 capability
Could help accelerate EV adoption in rural areas
Potential to influence pricing in the compact EV SUV segment
Future implications for Suzuki:
The release of the e Vitara shows Suzuki’s future lies in electric models. Here’s what we may expect for the future of Suzuki:
Platform to support future electric models
Strengthened position in European markets
Enhanced competitive stance against mainstream manufacturers
Foundation for expanded EV lineup
Last updated: 05.11.24
