Maruti WagonR Electric Car Testing Begins in India — To Be Launched By 2020

Maruti Suzuki has begun testing 50 prototype electric vehicles developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan. The prototype models have been built at Maruti Suzuki's Gurugram plant as part of the company's Make in India commitment.

The prototype electric vehicles are based on the 2018 Suzuki WagonR that is expected to be launched in the Indian market in 2019. The Maruti WagonR electric was first showcased at the MOVE summit in New Delhi. Maruti Suzuki has been keen on introducing electric vehicles and the company has taken a major step by beginning the testing of prototype EVs.

Maruti Suzuki will test the prototype electric vehicles in different terrains and climatic conditions. The data collected from the tests will help Maruti Suzuki to get valuable insights that will help in validation and successful launch of electric vehicle technology in India.

The electric version of the Maruti WagonR draws power from a 72-volt system with a 10-25kWh battery capacity. The electric vehicle will be based on the next-gen WagonR with a revamped platform. The prototype electric vehicles are based on the HEARTECT platform which also underpins the new Swift and the Dzire.

Thoughts On Maruti Suzuki Testing Electric Vehicles In India

Maruti Suzuki has finally commenced testing of electric vehicles in India. The prototype EVs are based on the 2018 WagonR which is sold in the Japanese market. We can expect the WagonR EV to be the first electric vehicle from Maruti Suzuki in the Indian market. Currently, Mahindra is the only automaker to retail electric vehicles in India.