Maruti Suzuki plans to enter the EV (electric vehicle) industry in the coming years. A recent media source states that the concept version of a mid-size SUV (codenamed Maruti YY8) will debut at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo in January. In January or February 2025, the version ready for production will appear. Together with Toyota, Maruti will co-develop the first electric SUV, built in Gujarat for domestic and international sales.
The new Maruti electric SUV will be priced similarly to the Tata Nexon EV, which is now offered for between Rs 14.99 lakh and Rs 17.50 lakh (all, ex-showroom). According to the report, the YY8 will cost between Rs. 13 lakh and Rs. 15 lakh. Interestingly, it will feature a wheelbase that is longer than the MG ZS EV and will be as large as the Hyundai Creta (4300mm in length) (2585mm). The Maruti YY8 will have a wheelbase that is 2700mm long.
The new Maruti electric SUV will be built on the 27PL platform, which can support a sizable battery pack and add interior space. The 40PL global platform from Toyota serves as the basis for the architecture. The model will probably have a brand-new, futuristic design language, minimal overhangs, and wheels placed close to the edge.
The new electric Maruti car’s official specifications are still a secret. The 48kWh and 59kWh battery pack options, which each promise a range of about 400km and 500km, are the most likely to be offered. Between 138 and 170 horsepower could be its power range. The LFP blade cell batteries, which will be purchased from the Chinese battery supplier BYD, will be used by the Indo-Japanese manufacturer for its upcoming electric vehicle. Two drivetrain options—2WD and AWD—will be offered for the Maruti YY8. As of this writing, whether or not the AWD variant will be sold in India is unclear.