Suzuki’s first EV: Everything you need to know!

• New Suzuki e Vitara unveiled
• First battery electric vehicle from Suzuki arrives next year
• Gets power of up to 184 PS and option of all-wheel drive
• EV range and price still to be confirmed

This is the e Vitara - and it’s the first mass produced fully-electric vehicle from Japanese manufacturer Suzuki.

Suzuki’s ‘Vitara’ name will be familiar to most, as it’s a long-running SUV that’s currently powered by frugal mild-hybrid or self-charging hybrid powertrain.

The new e Vitara, however, is something different entirely and sees Suzuki entering a brave new world of electrification.

The basic shape of the existing, traditionally-fuelled Vitara is carried over to the new e Vitara.

Yet the electric model is ever so slightly longer and wider than its petrol-slurping sibling while a high-riding bonnet and full-face front grille give the e Vitara a more powerful stance.

When the Suzuki e Vitara arrives in the summer of 2025, you’ll be able to lease one with either a 49 kWh battery or a larger 61 kWh unit and a heat pump will come fitted as standard.

While Suzuki hasn’t revealed official details about range between charges, the e Vitara with the smaller battery is expected to have a range of around 200 miles while the 61 kWh battery should up to that to around 250 miles.

Entry-level models with the smaller battery get power of 144 PS and 189 Nm of torque while the heftier battery unlocks up to 184 PS, 300 Nm of torque, and the option of ‘ALLGRIP-e’ 4WD.

That all-wheel drive system is important, as Suzuki reckons this is an adventure-ready SUV that’s capable of handling rugged terrain.

With the ALLGRIP-e models, there are two independent eAxles at the front and rear which provide ‘powerful performance but also allows for precise control with excellent responsiveness’, says Suzuki.

There’s also a dedicated ‘Trail’ mode that utilises a limited slip differential that splits the torque to the wheels that need it most or dabs the brakes to the ones that are spinning.

A Suzuki spokesperson added: “Introduction of the e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e Vitara, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”

There’s no word on pricing just yet but we expect that announcement early next year.

When it comes to rivals, the Suzuki e Vitara will compete with the likes of the new Skoda Elroq as well as the Kia EV3, Jeep Avenger and the incoming Renault 4 E-Tech Electric.

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