Maruti Suzuki has officially fired the starting gun on its electric era with the eVitara, the company’s first-ever EV for the Indian market. Unveiled in production form at an event in Gurugram, the eVitara marks a massive leap for India’s largest automaker—one that’s backed by a comprehensive Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan, a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, and a staggering 543 km certified range.
The launch is slated for early 2026, with manufacturing already underway at Maruti’s Gujarat facility, which will also cater to export markets like the UK, Japan, and Europe.
Maruti’s Bold EV Ecosystem Vision
For a company that’s long dominated India’s ICE market, Maruti is now setting its sights on replicating that success in the EV space. The Gurugram event wasn’t just about showcasing the eVitara—it was a clear outline of the company’s multi-pronged electric mobility strategy, including infrastructure, ownership models, and safety leadership.
Maruti announced it has already set up 2,000+ fast-charging points across 1,100 Indian cities, with plans to expand to over 1,00,000 public charging points by 2030. The goal? A charger every 5–10 km in urban centers. These will integrate with the new ‘e For Me’ mobile app, letting users locate chargers, monitor charge status, and make digital payments.
Maruti is also preparing 1,500+ EV-ready service workshops nationwide, ensuring that servicing and battery diagnostics are just as accessible as fueling a petrol car today.
BaaS: The Game-Changing Ownership Model
The headline announcement, however, was the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program—its first in India. This plan lets buyers lease the battery separately from the car, dramatically cutting down upfront costs. The company also offers a subscription-based ownership plan and an assured buyback scheme, easing buyer anxiety about battery degradation and resale value.
The BaaS model gives flexibility—owners can upgrade to newer battery tech over time or simply swap plans based on usage. It’s a clear signal that Maruti is targeting long-term EV adoption, not just early adopters.
Uncompromised Safety: 5 Stars at Bharat NCAP
In a segment-first, the Maruti eVitara has scored 5 stars in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection under Bharat NCAP testing, setting a new benchmark for Indian EVs.
Speaking at the event, Shri Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister for Road Transport and Highways, lauded the company:
“Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as standard across all variants.”
Built on the HEARTECT-e platform, the eVitara features a high-tensile steel body structure, ensuring rigidity without compromising weight. Safety kit includes:
- 7 airbags (standard)
- Level-2 ADAS
- 360-degree camera
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- All-four disc brakes
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Electronic parking brake with Auto Hold
With this, Maruti’s first EV isn’t just efficient—it’s among the safest cars on Indian roads.
Exterior: Global Design, Indian Practicality
Visually, the eVitara leans toward European styling but maintains SUV-like proportions suited for Indian conditions. It gets a polyhedral, muscular stance with strong shoulder lines, 18-inch aero alloy wheels, and a closed smart grille featuring adaptive air shutters for improved aerodynamics.
The LED projector headlamps with Maruti’s new NEXtre three-point DRL signature set the tone up front, while matching LED taillamps complete the futuristic theme. The charging port sits conveniently on the front-left fender, and the SUV comes equipped with powered ORVMs, roof-end spoiler, underbody cladding, and fog lamps for that premium yet rugged look.
Available Colors
| Monotone Shades | Dual-Tone Options (Black Roof) |
|---|---|
| Nexa Blue | Splendid Silver |
| Bluish Black | Arctic White |
| Grandeur Grey | Opulent Red |
| Splendid Silver | Land Breeze Green |
| Arctic White | |
| Land Breeze Green | |
| Opulent Red |
Cabin and Comfort: Premium, Minimal, and Tech-Heavy
Step inside, and it’s instantly clear—this isn’t your typical Maruti. The eVitara’s interior screams premium, with European-inspired design touches and a feature list that rivals luxury crossovers.
Key highlights include:
- 2-spoke steering wheel with capacitive controls
- 10.1-inch floating infotainment display
- 10.25-inch TFT digital instrument cluster
- Fixed glass roof
- Twin-deck floating center console
- Infinity by Harman premium audio system
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Ambient lighting and wireless charging pad
- Drive, Regen, and Snow modes
- Ventilated front seats & 10-way powered driver seat
- 40:20:40 split rear seat with sliding/reclining function
- PM 2.5 air filter and advanced telematics with smartwatch integration
It’s a massive leap for Maruti in terms of craftsmanship and features—clearly designed to woo both family buyers and the premium EV crowd.
Powertrain and Range
Under the floor, the eVitara offers two Lithium-ion battery packs, both paired with front-wheel-drive electric motors.
| Variant | Battery Pack | Power Output | Torque | Claimed Range | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVitara 49 | 49 kWh | 144 PS | 193 Nm | ~420 km | FWD |
| eVitara 61 | 61 kWh | 174 PS | 193 Nm | 543 km (ARAI-rated) | FWD |
Both variants support DC fast charging, capable of replenishing 10–80% in under 45 minutes. Maruti hasn’t launched an AWD dual-motor version yet, but insiders suggest it may follow later depending on demand.
Price, Launch, and Market Strategy
The Maruti eVitara is expected to debut in early 2026, with prices estimated between ₹18 lakh and ₹24 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the battery and ownership plan.
The BaaS and subscription pricing will significantly undercut that—base models could start around ₹13–14 lakh upfront, with a monthly battery lease fee depending on usage.
This could make the eVitara India’s most accessible long-range electric SUV—something that could shake up the market currently dominated by Tata, Hyundai, and MG.
| Competitor | Range | Battery | Expected Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti eVitara | 543 km | 61 kWh | ₹18–24 lakh |
| Tata Harrier EV | 500 km | 60 kWh | ₹20–27 lakh |
| MG ZS EV | 461 km | 50.3 kWh | ₹19–23 lakh |
| Hyundai Creta EV | 520 km | 58 kWh | ₹20–25 lakh |
The Verdict
The Maruti eVitara isn’t just another EV launch—it’s a landmark shift in how India’s largest automaker views the future. Backed by solid range, premium design, a flexible BaaS ownership model, and unbeatable safety credentials, this is easily one of the most consequential launches of 2026.
If Maruti gets the pricing right—and the infrastructure follows—the eVitara could do for electric mobility what the Alto once did for small cars in India.
FAQs
When will the Maruti eVitara launch in India?
It will launch in early 2026, with production already underway in Gujarat.
What is Maruti’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) plan?
It lets buyers lease the battery separately, lowering upfront costs and including upgrade and buyback options.
What is the driving range of the eVitara?
Up to 543 km (ARAI-certified) with the 61 kWh pack and around 420 km with the 49 kWh pack.
Does the eVitara support fast charging?
Yes, it supports DC fast charging that can charge from 10–80% in under 45 minutes.
What safety rating does the eVitara have?
The SUV earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupant protection.
