Published 12:53 IST, January 24th 2025
Maruti Suzuki EV Under Rs 10 Lakh? Exclusive Plans Revealed - See Details
To be positioned below the recently-revealed eVitara, the mass-market EV is understood to be introduced in the next two-years.
India’s largest passenger vehiclemaker Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on an ambitious project to launch an affordable electric car under the Rs 10 lakh price bracket, according to sources. To be positioned below the recently-revealed eVitara, the mass-market EV is understood to be introduced in the next two-years.
Unlike the eVitara that will be retailed at Nexa outlets, the sub-Rs 10 lakh e-car will be sold across its Arena showrooms, revealed the source. Speculation is also rife that a badge-engineered version of this model will also sold by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM).
An emailed questionnaire query sent to Maruti Suzuki spokesperson remained unanswered until the story was published.
Breaking the affordability barrier in EVs
While electric vehicles are gaining traction in India, the recent higher price tag EV launches has deterred many buyers. Puneet Gupta , Director, S&P Global Mobility stated that Maruti Suzuki aims to address this gap by leveraging its expertise in creating budget-friendly cars tailored for the Indian market. According to him, "By introducing an electric vehicle under Rs 10 lakh, Maruti Suzuki hopes to democratize EV ownership and accelerate the country's transition to cleaner mobility."
What to expect?
While details on the car remain sketchy, industry insiders reckon that Maruti Suzuki's electric car will be designed with Indian roads and conditions in mind.
"It is expected to feature a compact design, making it ideal for urban commutes, and will likely offer a range of around 200–250 kilometres per charge—sufficient for daily travel needs," said a source privy to the development. He also revealed that the company will prioritize reliability, ease of maintenance, and an extensive charging network to enhance customer convenience.
In order to keep vehicle costs down, Maruti Suzuki is likely to localize the production of key EV components such as batteries and electric motors. This aligns with the government's "Make in India" initiative.
The competitive landscape
Industry observers reckon that Maruti Suzuki's entry into the affordable EV segment will heat up competition in the Indian automobile market. At present, industry players like Tata Motors dominate the segment with models like the Tata Tiago EV, priced around Rs 8–12 lakh.
“We are committed to roll out six electric vehicles in the Indian market by 2030. We have presented the first product and will be making further announcements about our upcoming models,” Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer (marketing & sales) at MSIL, told reporters at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. However, he didn't share details on the rollout of any products below Rs 10 lakh.
Challenges ahead
While the prospect of an affordable Maruti Suzuki electric car is exciting, challenges persist. According to an industry watcher, "Battery costs remain a significant expense in EV production, and scaling up localized manufacturing will require considerable investment. Additionally, expanding India's charging infrastructure will be crucial to ensure the success of such a mass-market electric car."
Looking ahead
This move is seen by industry watchers as a game-changer in the domestic EV market, which is currently dominated by high-priced models. If successful, analysts reckon that this e-car could not only reshape the Indian automobile market but also set a global benchmark for accessible electric vehicles.
Updated 14:54 IST, January 24th 2025