Electric Suzuki Vitara previewed with eVX concept

Suzuki is pointing to its pure-electric future with the reveal of the all-new Suzuki EV Concept Model eVX that previews a battery-powered small SUV due to reach production by 2025.

Revealed at the Auto Expo 2023 in Delhi, India, the new concept for a pure-electric Suzuki Vitara replacement features a 60kWh lithium-ion battery that will provide for a range of up to 550km on the Indian MIDC test cycle.

Designed and developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation, the rugged Suzuki eVX concept features a bluff front-end, V-shaped headlights interlinked by an LED light bar and front, side and rear bash plates.

Its raised ride height hints at genuine off-road capability, as does the promise of an advanced all-wheel drive system.

The eVX measures 4300mm long, 1800mm wide and 1600mm high, occupying a similar footprint to the current Vitara but benefiting from some extra length and a longer wheelbase.

Reports out of India point to Suzuki boss Toshihiro Suzuki suggesting the incoming production model would be the beneficiary of both technology and knowhow accrued by strategic partner Toyota when developing the incoming Toyota bZ4X crossover.

At this stage, Suzuki is only saying that the eVX is underpinned by “a ground-up platform that will spawn a range of future EVs”.

That could be Toyota’s e-TNGA architecture, but Suzuki might also employ its own technology to boost the EV’s off-road credentials.

The eVX is expected to be offered with both two-wheel drive and 4WD layouts, including Grip Control electronics that maximise traction when the going gets rough.

It is also tipped to benefit from a new two-speed transmission developed by Canadian firm Inmotive with which Suzuki has a joint-venture agreement.

Billed as the world’s most efficient two-speed gearbox, the new transmission is said to improve both acceleration and range by up to 15 per cent.

“I am delighted to unveil the Concept eVX, our first global strategic EV,” said Toshihiro Suzuki.

“We plan to bring it to market by 2025. At the Suzuki Group, addressing global warming is a priority. We are promoting a range of global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated from our business.

“One key measure is reducing CO2 emitted by using our products.”