Maruti e-Vitara scores 5 stars in Bharat NCAP: Maruti's first EV in detail
Key Highlights:
- Maruti Suzuki’s first EV, e Vitara, scored 5 stars in both categories of Bharat NCAP
- NCAP crash tests are not a legal requirement in India and are voluntarily initiated by manufacturers
- Prices for the new Maruti e Vitara EV start at Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi) in BaaS or ‘Battery as a Service’ format
India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, has finally introduced a mass-market EV in the form of the all-new e Vitara. One could argue that the company is a bit late to the party since the Indian EV market is already dominated by key competitors such as Tata Motors and Mahindra. However, Maruti Suzuki’s unbeatable service network ensures that owners of the new e Vitara will have minimal range anxiety. Meanwhile, Toyota is gearing up to launch the Urban Cruiser Ebella (same vehicle; slightly different styling).
Based on Suzuki’s EV-specific HEARTECT-e platform, the electric compact crossover will be sold through Maruti Suzuki’s NEXA outlets. Let’s explore the all-new Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in detail!
Maruti e Vitara: NCAP Safety Ratings
In the Bharat NCAP tests conducted in December 2025, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara secured an impressive 5-star rating in both categories. In Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), the EV scored 31.49/32.00 points, while in Child Occupant Protection (COP), the score hit 43.00/49.00. The mule tested was in the highest 61kWh Alpha avatar.
Contrary to popular belief, NCAP tests are not a mandatory requirement in most countries. Manufacturers voluntarily send their new products for evaluation. Nevertheless, a good NCAP score is a great marketing tool, especially at an age when Indian customers are prioritising safety.
The e Vitara, following the Dzire subcompact sedan, Victoris compact crossover and Invicto MPV, is the fourth product in the Indian automaker’s portfolio to secure 5 stars in both categories. Bharat NCAP crash safety tests are more aligned to Indian driving conditions and regulations, and are significantly less stringent than international testing standards such as Euro NCAP. However, securing 5 stars in both categories is nothing short of an achievement.
Maruti e Vitara: Top Features & Highlights
The all-new Maruti e Vitara features Suzuki’s enhanced global design language. Polyhedral elements, sculpted fenders and 3-point LED lighting layouts form the primary highlights. On the inside, key features include the following: 10.25-inch digital instrument console, 10.10-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, 8-speaker Infinity audio, front ventilated seats, 10-way powered driver’s seat, sliding/reclining/splitting rear seat, air purifier, ‘e for me’ smartphone connectivity and more.
On the safety front, the electric crossover features Level 2 ADAS: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive High-beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. The list of safety equipment expands to include seven airbags, a 360-degree parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, hill-hold assist, disc brakes on all wheels and several security alerts or monitoring options via Suzuki Connect.
Maruti e Vitara: Specs & Range
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is available in two battery packs: 49kWh (ARAI range: 440km) and 61kWh (ARAI range: 543km). The former generates 105.8kW of power and 193Nm of torque, while the latter raises the figures to 128kW and 193Nm, respectively. The chassis has a front-axle-mounted single-motor FWD configuration, although its global-spec Suzuki sibling sports AWD. The e Vitara rides on fairly large 225/55 R18 wheels.
AC charging times (10-100%) vary from roughly 6.5 hours to 9.0 hours, depending on the battery pack. DC fast charging (10-80%) remains the same at 45 minutes across the range. Maruti Suzuki offers a standard battery warranty of 8 years / 1,60,000km.
Maruti e Vitara: Pricing, Variants & Colours
Prices for the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara start at Rs 10.99 lakh ex-showroom (Delhi) in BaaS format for the 49kWh Delta variant. The EV will be offered in three variants: 49kWh Delta, 61kWh Zeta and 61kWh Alpha. The regular or ‘non-BaaS’ price list is as follows:
- Delta: Rs 15.99 lakh
- Zeta: Rs 17.49 lakh
- Alpha: Rs 19.79 lakh
There are five colour choices: Splendid Silver, Arctic White, Grandeur Grey, Bluish Black and Opulent Red. Bookings are open for a token amount of Rs 21,000.
Maruti e Vitara: BaaS Battery Rental
BaaS or ‘Battery as a Service’ scheme is becoming common among EVs. It is essentially a battery rental program aimed at reducing the upfront cost of an electric car, in addition to providing flexible ownership costs. Maruti Suzuki offers a battery rental scheme of Rs 3.99/km for the 49kWh e Vitara version (in addition to the ex-showroom price). This includes only the battery and no related costs, such as charging. Additional BaaS options may be announced in the months to come. For reference, MG Motor India offers the Windsor EV under BaaS at Rs 3.50/km.
A New ‘E-ra’
Maruti Suzuki may not make a major impact on India’s expanding EV market in the initial stages, but the Indian automaker is confident that the e Vitara would be a compelling proposition to many, especially loyal Maruti fans. However, small cars form the majority of Maruti Suzuki sales. An EV in this category (currently dominated by Tata EVs) could be an actual game-changer. Until then, Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer/service network will be upgraded with charging facilities to provide the best support for the e Vitara.
To improve buyers’ confidence, Maruti Suzuki offers an assured 60% buyback value on a 3-year / 45,000km plan and 50% on a 4-year / 60,000km plan on the e Vitara. A 7.4kW AC charger (and installation) is complimentary. A new era of Maruti Suzuki begins.
FAQ
1. Is the Maruti e Vitara based on the Brezza?
No, the Maruti e Vitara is based on an all-new EV-specific platform dubbed HEARTECT-e.
2. Is the Maruti e Vitara AWD?
No, the Maruti e Vitara is strictly FWD, but its international counterpart features AWD.
3. What is the Global NCAP score of the Maruti e Vitara?
Maruti Suzuki has not tested the e Vitara in Global NCAP.
4. What is the Bharat NCAP score of the Maruti e Vitara?
The Maruti e Vitara scored 5 stars in both Adult and Child Occupant Protection categories in Bharat NCAP.
5. Is there a Toyota version of the Maruti e Vitara?
Yes, with slightly different styling, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is also available as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.