Maruti Suzuki has officially ended the long wait for its first-ever electric vehicle, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara. Launched on February 17, 2026, this mid-size electric SUV marks a historic shift for India’s largest carmaker as it enters the competitive EV market. With a blend of rugged design, advanced technology, and a disruptive pricing strategy, the e Vitara is designed to make electric mobility accessible to the masses.

The Big Launch: Pricing and the BaaS Model

The most talked-about aspect of the launch is the introductory price. Maruti Suzuki has introduced the e Vitara at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, this price comes under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Under this scheme, customers do not pay for the battery upfront, which significantly lowers the initial purchase cost. Instead, they pay a rental fee for battery usage, starting at Rs 3.99 per kilometer.

For those who prefer a traditional ownership model without recurring rentals, the e Vitara is also available with the battery cost included. The full price for the 49 kWh Delta variant starts at Rs 15.99 lakh, while the top-end Alpha variant with the 61 kWh battery is priced at Rs 19.79 lakh. These introductory prices are valid until March 31, 2026.

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Performance, Range, and Battery Options

The e Vitara is built on a dedicated EV platform and offers two battery pack options to suit different driving needs. The entry-level 49 kWh battery delivers 142 bhp and a claimed range of 440 km. For long-distance travelers, the larger 61 kWh battery provides a more powerful 172 bhp and an impressive ARAI-certified range of 543 km.

While the international version features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the Indian model currently focuses on a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup. Maruti has prioritized efficiency and daily usability for the Indian consumer. Charging is also made convenient; the 61 kWh battery can charge from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes using a DC fast charger.

Interior Comfort and Advanced Features

Stepping inside, the e Vitara feels like the most premium Maruti Suzuki to date. The cabin features a sophisticated black and tan dual-tone theme. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a dual-screen setup—a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster—integrated into a single floating panel.

Maruti has loaded the SUV with high-end features including:

• A fixed panoramic glass sunroof.
• Ventilated front seats for India’s hot climate.
• A 10-way power-adjustable driver seat.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• A premium Infinity sound system.

Safety First: 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating

Safety is a major highlight for the e Vitara. It has achieved a perfect 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment. The SUV is equipped with 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and, for the first time in a Maruti vehicle, a Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite. This includes features like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Why It Matters for India

Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the EV space is a “mic-drop” moment for the Indian auto industry. By leveraging its massive service network of over 1,500 EV-ready centers and a growing ecosystem of over 2,000 charging points, Maruti is addressing the two biggest hurdles for EV buyers: range anxiety and after-sales support.

The e Vitara will face stiff competition from established players like the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. However, Maruti’s aggressive BaaS pricing and trusted brand value give it a significant edge in winning over first-time EV buyers.

What’s Next?

Deliveries for the e Vitara have already commenced through Maruti’s premium Nexa dealerships. The company plans to expand its electric portfolio rapidly, aiming for a total of six EV models by 2031. For now, early birds can book the e Vitara for a token amount of Rs 21,000 and enjoy benefits like a complimentary home charger and free charging for the first year at select dealerships.

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