Upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVitara: e-Heartect Platform, Electric Powertrain And All Wheel Drive Explained [Video]
Maruti Suzuki India Limited is about to enter the electric vehicle market with its first-ever electric vehicle, the e Vitara, in India and other global markets. This electric SUV has been unveiled, and people are really excited for it to make its official debut. The company has highlighted that the e Vitara is a born electric SUV and has been developed from the ground up. Recently, the company has started sharing detailed explanations of all the elements of this SUV.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Highlights explained
Electric powertrain
First off, let's talk about the electric powertrain of the upcoming e Vitara electric SUV. The Suzuki engineers in the video explain that the e Vitara’s both E-axles of this SUV combine motor, inverter, and transaxle into a single compact module. As a result of this, the SUV gets reduced wiring, enhanced energy efficiency, and lightweight construction.
The direct result of this is also increased space inside the cabin. Unlike other ICE all-wheel-drive vehicles, the e Vitara features independent E-Axles on both axles. This helps in faster acceleration and improved overtaking capabilities. The battery performance of the e Vitara is also consistent in extreme climates, claim the Suzuki engineers.
To improve the range of the e Vitara in winters, the SUV uses an energy-efficient heat pump to heat the cabin. It also gets a smart battery preconditioning system where the battery of the e Vitara can be remotely pre-warmed via a smartphone. It also maintains temperature even after full charge when the vehicle is then left plugged into an AC charger.
Allgrip-e AWD system
As mentioned, one of the main highlights of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is the Allgrip-e AWD system. This system comprises an independent front and rear motor control. It offers real-time power distribution to ensure that the vehicle has grip on all surfaces. This system, according to the Suzuki engineers, performs very similarly to the iconic Jimny, which gets the Allgrip Pro 4WD system.
To tackle terrains such as sand, mud, and slopes, the e Vitara gets a dedicated trial mode with brake-limited slip differential traction control. As per the video, this electric SUV has been rigorously tested in Shimokawa-cho (Hokkaido), Japan, and New Zealand. It has also been tested on terrains such as muddy tracks, snow, sand, steep slopes, and icy roads.
Other notable highlights of the Suzuki e Vitara Allgrip-e AWD system are that it comes with four driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Additionally, the electric SUV also gets an E-Operation pedal, which means one-pedal driving with adjustable deceleration. It can also be switched off to get a traditional feel.
Heartect-e platform
Last but not least, the company has also shared another video in which it has explained everything about the new Heartect-e platform, which underpins the Suzuki e Vitara. This new platform, as per the Suzuki engineers, has been developed entirely from scratch for the EV requirements. It is not an adapted platform like other electric SUVs.
According to the company, the new Heartect-e platform supports a larger wheelbase and higher tyres without compromising on the turning radius. It also gets a rigid suspension, and to increase the structural rigidity of this SUV, its battery is built into the chassis. Suzuki has taken special care for battery protection during side and under-seat impacts.
Overall, the upcoming e Vitara electric SUV from Maruti Suzuki is one of the most advanced and premium vehicles ever developed by the company. Once launched in India, it will be competing with the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9E, Tata Harrier.ev, MG Windsor Pro, and the Hyundai Creta Electric.