Electric Vehicles In India — Can The Maruti Wagon R Electric Make A Difference?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India have become popular than ever before in the past few years. While India's e-mobility portfolio is still at a growing stage compared to that in foreign nations, major automotive brands and government authorities operating the country are trying their best to promote EVs at a rapid pace.

In a recent update, Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Wagon R Electric sometime in 2020 and will be the Indian brand's first all-electric product in the country. Being based on the latest-generation Japanese-spec model. the electric hatchback looks totally different from the regular petrol-powered Wagon R we have today.

The Indian automotive segment's push towards a sustainable, efficient and desirable electric mobility in the future is slowly inching closer to becoming a reality. Various government initiatives such as making EVs toll-free, tax exemptions, setting up public charging stations, introducing easier loan schemes, etc., have been introduced in this regard — know what all has happened in India's rising EV world.

As per reports, the Maruti Wagon R EV supports DC (Direct Current) fast-charging that allows the batteries to charge up to 80 per cent in less than an hour's time. It also features a conventional AC (Alternating Current; power from wall plugs) charging port.

At present, Maruti Suzuki is conducting extensive testing of the Wagon R Electric. Around 50 prototypes are being tested on public roads and harsh environments in India to analyse the EV's feasibility in a country like ours.

Sources state that the electric Wagon R is powered by a 72V system coupled to a 10-25kWh battery pack. The EV promises a range of 150km on a single charge; making it better-suited for urban use.

On the other hand, the regular model gets a choice of two petrol engines: 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre. The base 1.0-litre unit makes 67bhp and 90Nm of torque while the bigger 1.2-litre unit produces 90bhp and 113Nm. If you wish to know more of the 'Big New Wagon R', here are some important facts and figures.

Though it is still an early stage to comment on the pricing, we expect the Wagon R Electric to cost just under Rs 7 lakh — which is still expensive than the regular Wagon R's top variant (prices start at Rs 4.19 lakh ex-showroom).

Thoughts On The Maruti Wagon R Electric

Maruti Suzuki is arguably the most popular and trusted automotive brand in India; as evident from the monthly sales figures. For the same reason, the upcoming electric Wagon R could just initiate the much-awaited mass-volume sales of EVs in the country. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.