Compact vehicles best suited for EVs – says Toshihiro Suzuki

"A compact vehicle is the best solution as an electric vehicle," says Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, as its local unit gears up to launch a mid-size electric SUV, the E-Vitara, this year to enter the fledgling electric vehicle market.

The top management stated that Maruti Suzuki wants to gauge feedback from the E-Vitara, perfect the art of manufacturing electric vehicles, and eventually enter the electric hatchback market.

"Although we are launching the EV Vitara first, my personal feeling is that compact vehicles would be the best suited for EV vehicles," said Suzuki, addressing the media ahead of Bharat Mobility Show 2025.

As part of its long-term vision for EVs, Maruti Suzuki's part of its vision 3.0 has guided the launch of six electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The company did not specify the kind of vehicles, but the vehicle silhouette depicted in the presentation hinted at vehicles from smaller hatchbacks to mid-size SUVs.

"I think the first one has to be a learning experience. One must master the proper manufacturing techniques of EV vehicles. So after grasping it fully, we would like to shift to the EV for the small cars as well. So, we do have plans of having EV vehicles in the small class segment also," confirmed Suzuki.

Autocar Professional exclusively reported on a project codenamed Y2V. An electric hatchback is under construction and is likely to hit the roads in 2027-28.

After the launch of E-Vitara, Maruti Suzuki is likely to introduce an electric MPV, the YMC, followed by a hatchback EV, the Y2V.

The combined potential for these models is seen around 2.5 to 3.5 lakh units, with almost 60-70% of it being aimed at global markets.