The Maruti e Vitara and its badge-engineered sibling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, are the most-awaited electric vehicles from the two carmakers. The two have collaborated on ICE models such as the Baleno-Glanza, Fronx-Taisor and Ertiga-Rumion, but this marks the first time fully electric vehicles have emerged from the partnership. Keep reading to see how the Maruti and Toyota EVs are similar and where they differ.
Toyota Ebella vs Maruti e Vitara: Exterior
Distinct LED DRL signatures
At the front, the e Vitara gets Y-shaped LED DRLs and heavy plastic cladding on the bumper, while the Ebella opts for segmented DRLs and a much smoother finish for the bumper; fog lights are only available on the former. In profile, save for the 'BEV' badging (denoting it is a battery electric vehicle) on the latter, everything else, including the aero-optimised design for the wheels, C-pillar integrated door handles and chunky cladding under the doors and over the wheel arches, is similar.
The rear profile is also marked by minimal changes, limited to a slightly different tail-light signature; the moderately sloping roofline and design for the chunky bumper are identical. 5 monotone shades – white, silver, red, black and grey – along with dual-tone versions of the first 3, as well as green, will be made available upon launch.
*UK-spec model considered here.
Maruti Suzuki is yet to reveal the full specifications of the India-spec e Vitara, while Toyota has already detailed them for the Urban Cruiser Ebella. Compared to the UK-spec e Vitara, the Ebella is 10mm longer in length but 5mm shorter in height. Toyota India will be offering its new EV with 18-inch wheels only. Both have a 2,700mm wheelbase, longer than the MG ZS EV (2,585mm) and Hyundai Creta Electric (2,610mm) rivals, but shorter than the Vinfast VF6 (2,730mm) and Mahindra BE 6 (2,775mm).
Toyota Ebella vs Maruti e Vitara: Motor, battery and range
Up to 543km ARAI-rated range
49kWh and 61kWh battery pack choices with a front-wheel drive electric motor setup, delivering varying power outputs, will be on offer. Like the Ebella, the e Vitara is likely to offer a single-charge range of 440km with the smaller battery.
Toyota Ebella vs Maruti e Vitara: Interior and features
Dual-tone interior, two screens
Aside from the logos of the respective brands, everything else is identical inside. A brown-and-black colour scheme, squarish, two-spoke steering wheel, physical switches to control climate and other car functions, rectangular AC vent design and twin-screen setup are common. The Ebella gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.1-inch digital driver's display, both of which will also be offered with the e Vitara. Other Ebella features – front ventilated seats, 12-colour ambient lighting, JBL sound system, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS – will be available with the Maruti EV, too.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
