Maruti’s first all-electric SUV to be launched by 2024 festive season; Developed in association with Toyota, the electric SUV will offer a maximum range of 500 kilometres.
Maruti Suzuki’s all-electric SUV codenamed ‘YY8’ has been in rumours for quite a long time now. The brand has been tight-lipped about its EV plans ever since the shelving of its electric Wagon E. But in a recent development, the Indo-Japanese carmaker has raised RFQs (Request for Quotation) for the pricing of several parts for the SUV. According to media reports, the YY8 will most likely debut in the Indian market by Diwali 2024.
Maruti Suzuki Project ‘YY8’ Electric SUV: Details
Co-developed with Toyota, the YY8’s research and development is mainly handled by the company’s Japan unit. The vehicle is apparently benchmarked against products such as the Nissan Leaf and Peugeot e2008 internationally. Built on Toyota’s 27 PL Skateboard Platform, the four-wheeler will reportedly measure 4.2 metres in length with a wheelbase of around 2700 mm and is expected to come with a kerb weight of around 2 tons. The longer dimensions will help the brand put in a larger battery and liberate more space on the inside.
Maruti Suzuki Project ‘YY8’ Electric SUV: Powertrain Details
Maruti Suzuki will offer the SUV in both single and dual motor set-up which suggests that the EV will be available in both 2WD and AWD configurations. The 2WD model will most likely be offered with a 48 kWh battery pack paired to a single 138bhp electric motor, while the AWD version will make use of a larger 60 kWh battery pack, paired with two electric motors for a combined power output of around 170 bhp. Both variants will offer a claimed range of around 400-500 kilometres. Reports also suggest that the brand will source batteries locally, in order to achieve a competitive pricing. The batteries are expected to come from India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit set up by TDSG International in Gujarat. This plant is jointly set up jointly between TOSHIBA Corporation, DENSO Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation to manufacture and supply lithium-ion batteries to Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Gujarat.
The YY8 Electric SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 15 to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) and will rival the likes of the Tata Nexon and MG ZS EV upon its launch.
