Maruti low cost electric hatchback in the works

Maruti is all set to enter the fast-growing EV market in India with the launch of the e Vitara by March this year. The brand has also begun work on an entry-level electric hatchback (codenamed Y2V), which is likely to enter production by 2028.

• Maruti plans to launch six EVs by 2031
• Y2V EV hatch development on in full swing
• Y2V likely to be based on Suzuki eWX concept hatchback

Sources tell us that the Maruti Y2V electric hatchback is the first EV designed and developed locally by Maruti to cater to the affordable end of the market. The company anticipates a five-year production volume of approximately 2,50,000 units. Unlike the much bigger e Vitara electric SUV (codenamed YV8), which was designed with a 60kWh battery, the Y2V will feature a 35kWh battery. This entry-level electric hatchback could be based on the Suzuki eWX concept shown earlier.

While the Y2V’s development is in full swing, our sister publication Autocar Professional learns that the final decision on commercial production of the hatch will depend on factors such as market demand, economic conditions and cost-efficiency evaluations.

Queries regarding the same did not elicit any response from Maruti Suzuki.

Six Maruti EVs by 2031

The Y2V hatchback is part of Maruti Suzuki’s plan to launch six EVs by FY2031, covering different segments from hatchbacks to SUVs. By the end of the decade, Maruti Suzuki expects EVs to account for 15 percent of its total sales. The first of six EVs to go on sale is the e Vitara electric SUV.

Y2V hatchback will be Maruti’s mass market EV

The Y2V project reflects Maruti Suzuki’s strategy to enter the entry-level EV segment to compete with the likes of the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet. The smaller battery ensures cost efficiency and aligns with the needs of urban Indian consumers, who typically rely on shorter commutes. This approach allows Maruti Suzuki to balance affordability with functionality, factors that influence purchasing decisions in India.

Maruti Suzuki aims to leverage its position in the internal combustion engine (ICE) market to establish itself in electric mobility. For the Y2V, Maruti Suzuki will try to combine scale, affordability and reliability by focusing on battery technology, streamlined production, and practical design. Additionally, the company recognises the need for supporting infrastructure and may collaborate with partners to expand the EV charging network for smoother adoption.

With inputs from Ashutosh Radhey Shyam