Maruti Suzuki has officially re-showcased the much-anticipated e Vitara electric SUV in India, setting the stage for its market entry. Contrary to expectations of a launch announcement on December 2, the automaker used the event to reveal key details and, importantly, confirmed the Indian launch timeline. The company has announced that the e Vitara will hit the Indian market in January 2026, rejuvenating enthusiasm among potential buyers.
A Strategic, Infrastructure-First Approach
Maruti Suzuki is placing a significant bet on the e Vitara to capture a sizeable portion of India's electric passenger vehicle market, a segment it has not yet entered. In a strategic shift from current industry norms, the automaker is prioritizing the strengthening of support systems, particularly charging infrastructure, before the vehicle's launch. This marks a reversal of the strategy adopted by existing players like Tata Motors, MG, Kia, and Hyundai, who have been building their product portfolio and charging networks simultaneously.
Interestingly, the e Vitara, based on the eVX concept, is already being manufactured in India for the international market. However, its domestic launch has been carefully timed with this infrastructure push.
Navigating a Crowded Arena: Key Rivals Await
The e Vitara's task to secure market share will be challenging in an already competitive segment. It will face stiff competition from established and upcoming models, including:
- Tata Curvv EV
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- Mahindra BE 6
- MG ZS EV
Dimensions and Space Comparison
A quick look at the dimensions of four key electric SUVs reveals the following standouts:
Mahindra BE 6 leads in length (4,371 mm), width (1,907 mm), wheelbase (2,775 mm), and ground clearance (207 mm). The Hyundai Creta Electric is the tallest at 1,655 mm. When it comes to practicality, the Tata Curvv EV offers the largest boot space of 500 litres, giving it an edge over rivals.
Powertrain and Performance Showdown
All four SUVs offer two battery pack options. The Mahindra BE 6 boasts the largest optional battery at 79 kWh, while the Hyundai Creta Electric has the smallest base option at 42 kWh.
In terms of power, the top variant of the Mahindra BE 6 promises 210 bhp, the highest in this group, along with a massive 380 Nm of torque. On the range front, the Mahindra BE 6 again claims the top spot with an impressive 683 km from its 79 kWh battery. The Maruti e Vitara claims a range of up to 500 km.
Maruti Suzuki's journey with the e Vitara will be a closely watched case study in whether an 'infrastructure-first' approach can win over Indian EV consumers in a market where rivals already have a head start. All eyes are now on January 2026.
