Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have plans to widen their EV portfolios further in the coming years. At present, these carmakers have one model each in the EV space. Maruti Suzuki has the eVitara electric SUV and Toyota sells the e-Bella, its badge-engineered counterpart. In the near future, Maruti Suzuki will launch several new all-electric products, and we may see Toyota launching its own badge-engineered versions of these. Here is a closer look.
Maruti Suzuki YMC Electric MPV
The next big EV launch from Maruti Suzuki will be the YMC electric MPV. It has already been spied testing on public roads. From what we can see in these sightings, this electric MPV has upright, SUV-like stance and an attractive design.
It will be based on the same Heartect-e skateboard platform as the eVitara, and will likely use similar battery packs (49kWh and 61.1kWh) as well. The larger of these currently delivers a claimed range of 543km in the eVitara, and similar figures could be possible in the MPV. The YMC will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant.
The design will have several EV-specific elements in it- a closed-off grille, sculpted front bumper with air vents for battery cooling, aero-optimised wheels and more. The vehicle will also come with connected tail lamps, shark-fin antenna and a wide rear section. We expect it to measure around 4.5 metres in length.
Since it is based on the Heartect-e, it will come with a flat floor. The interior will be well-equipped. The MPV will borrow many of its features from the eVitara. In the Indian market, the production-spec YMC will compete with the Kia Carens Clavis EV, BYD eMAX7, VinFast VF MPV 7 and Mahindra XEV 9S.
Maruti Suzuki EWX-Based Electric Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki is also said to be developing a more affordable electric hatchback for India. The model is expected to be based on the Suzuki EWX concept, showcased at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023.
Reports suggest that the production version could arrive sometime next year. It will be sold through ARENA dealerships unlike the eVitara that is sold through NEXA network. The production version is expected to stay close to the concept in terms of design. The original concept was in fact, a Kei car and measured around 3.4 metres in length. If this length makes it to the production version, this car will compete directly with the MG Comet EV when launched.
It will be based on the K-EV dedicated EV platform. This skateboard architecture has been developed specifically for future low-cost electric models and will likely have a high degree of localisation. Battery specifications for the production car have not yet been revealed. The concept was shown with a claimed range of 230 km per charge.
Toyota YMC-Based Electric MPV
Toyota is expected to launch its own version of the YMC electric MPV. Just like how the eVitara gave birth to eBella, the YMC will form the base for a Toyota product. The underpinnings, equipment levels, dimensions, battery packs and most other components will remain the same as those of the Maruti MPV. There will, however, be a noticeable difference on the design front. The exterior design will follow Toyota’s signature cues. A similar approach can be seen in the case of the eBella-eVitara duo, as well.
The Toyota version will also be based on the same platform and will likely come with the same 49kWh and 61kWh battery options. Details of this product remain limited at the time of writing.
Toyota Small Electric Hatchback
Although Toyota hasn’t confirmed it officially, there are high chances of it launching a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki EWX-based electric hatchback in the future. The ongoing joint venture between these companies makes such a move highly likely. If Toyota decides to bring its own version to India, it could share the EWX’s platform, underpinnings, features and powertrain options.
Like the other products of this joint venture, the Toyota version will differ from the production-spec EWX with its design. At the time of writing, this product remains under consideration and no solid decision is known to have been taken in putting it into production.