Maruti Suzuki eVitara: E-Axle and Thermal Management System Details Revealed

Maruti Suzuki is set to launch its first mass-market EV in India, in the coming months. The eVitara was originally slated to launch in May. It now seems to have been pushed to September this year. Ahead of the same, the carmaker has now released a video explaining the e-axle and thermal management system that are to be expected on the electric SUV.

Suzuki's powertrain engineer Takahito Ito explained the e-axles in detail while Daichi Fukushima talked about the heat management system. Let's delve into the details...

The eVitara Will Have Up To 2 e-Axles!

Though India will only get the 2WD guise of the eVitara, an all wheel drive (AWD) version will be on sale in many global markets. Suzuki seems to have put in significant efforts into getting the weight, space and powertrain right.

The eVitara will have an e-axle as its most important powertrain component. While the 2WD versions will get one, two will be found on the AWD form. The way these are put together is rather interesting.

Think of each e-axle as a combination of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle's engine and transmission combined- the drive source! In more technical terms, it is an integrated electromechanical drive unit that comprises the electric motor, inverter, and transaxle. Mechanical and electronic components here, are seamlessly integrated.

Takahito Ito says that the company has deployed 'classic Suzuki engineering' in the development of this e-axle. Special attention has gone into keeping the package compact and have the overall weight under check. A compact motor has been used here and the inverter and transaxle have both been seamlessly integrated into it. Lightweight elements have been used and wiring is reduced. This has resulted in keeping the e-axle lightweight, compact and energy efficient.

Suzuki's core principle- small-few-light-short-beautiful- has been used to design this e-axle. The company has set the focus on the end user and his gains from using the eVitara, and designed things accordingly.

Due to the weight reduction brought about by the carefully designed e-axles, Suzuki claims the eVitara to be up to 40 percent faster than the (ICE) Vitara 4WD, in doing the 0-100 kph sprint. The acceleration here, is said to be 'exciting'.

The eVitara AWD will use two e-axles- one at the front and the other at the rear. Each of these will have its own drive source. However, Suzuki has done smart-packaging with these. If they were kept under the passenger area in conventional fashion, it would have eaten into the usable room at the rear.

To make sure that the rear occupants have uncompromised room and comfort, Suzuki has mounted the rear axle in a way that it is reversed! This also means that the reverse drive is in default drive mode- whatever speed the front e-axle is capable of doing- say 150 kph for example, the rear would also be able to pull off effortlessly. Achieving durability with this configuration was a big challenge for the manufacturer. With its expertise, Suzuki seems to have gotten this sorted.

PRO Thermal Management In The eVitara

Thermal management is a key area in any EV powertrain design. Electric vehicle batteries world best ( and deliver the best in terms of range) within a narrow thermal range. Suzuki has given the eVitara an advanced battery temperature control system. The electric SUV gets a setup that can both heat and cool the battery pack, based on requirements.

The eVitara uses heat pump technology for thermal management. It is in fact, the first mass-produced Maruti Suzuki model to do so. This system works like a combination of a heater and an AC. For cooling the battery pack, cool air is blown in and warm air expelled. For warming the battery up, this process is reversed. With heat-pump technology, the actual heat gain can be more than the electricity consumed.

Owners will also be able to use the Suzuki Connect mobile application to warm the battery up in extreme cold weather. Called pre-conditioning, this process ensures that the battery operates at optimum temperature and stays efficient. Keeping the charger connected even after the battery gets fully charged can also help in keeping it warm.

Bottomline

As we move closer to the market debut, we expect more details of the eVitara electric SUV to surface, and learn more about the technology involved.