Maruti Suzuki electric YY8 SUV: Details inside

Early in 2025, Maruti will begin selling its first electric SUV in India.

Highlights

• Suzuki's Gujarat plant will produce the YY8 for both the domestic market and exports.

• Will be available for the same price as a Tata Nexon EV

Maruti’s global unveiling of an all-electric SUV concept at the Auto Expo 2023 will likely be one of the show-stoppers and the first indication of Maruti Suzuki's EV aspirations for the Indian market. The biggest automaker in India is yet to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) and has been notably sluggish in the rapidly growing Indian market for electric vehicles, where Tata Motors has amassed an 84 percent share in less than 4 years.

The electric vehicle concept that Maruti Suzuki will present is particularly significant because it serves as a preview of the Japanese automaker's first all-electric vehicle (YY8). This model, which will debut in January or February 2025, will be the company's first foray into electric vehicles. This EV, like the Futuro-e in 2020 and the Future-S in 2018, will be Maruti Suzuki's hero concept for 2023.

Maruti YY8,midsize SUV with Toyota, which will also have its own version of this car, will collaborate on its development. The YY8 will be a worldwide product that was created for both domestic and international markets, with about 50% of production going to those regions. Suzuki's Gujarat plant will produce the YY8 for both the domestic market and exports.

Design specifics

In true EV form, the YY8 concept is anticipated to have a radical and futuristic design language that is entirely distinct from the company's existing line of ICE vehicles. It will be nearly as big as a Creta at over 4.2 metres in length and longer than the MG ZS EV's 2,700mm wheelbase.

The YY8 uses its long wheelbase to make room for a sizable battery back and a roomy cabin. It is built on the 27PL platform, which is a variation of Toyota's 40PL global platform. The YY8 will, as is customary, feature low overhangs and wheels that are as close to the edge as feasible in order to maximise space without the packaging restrictions of a conventional ICE car.

Range and battery

It is anticipated that the 48kWh and 59kWh battery pack choices for the YY8 SUV will be available. Under typical test conditions, the former is anticipated to have a range of about 400 km, while the latter is anticipated to have a range of about 500 km. LFP blade cell batteries will be purchased by Maruti-Suzuki from Chinese battery manufacturer BYD.In terms of weight, packaging, and range, blade cell technology offers significant advantages. Maruti Suzuki hopes that the YY8's blade cells will give it a competitive edge over Tata Motors' wildly successful line of EVs, which employ more conventional (but less effective) LFP cylindrical cells.

Both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions of the YY8 will be available, however it's not yet known if the latter will be made available in the domestic market. Expected power outputs are between 138 and 170 horsepower.

Pricing anticipations

By the beginning of 2025, the Maruti Suzuki YY8 electric SUV and its Toyota rival are anticipated to arrive in India. MG ZS EV-sized SUV will be available for the same price as a Tata Nexon EV, according to sources who claim that the company is aiming for a pricing in the Rs 13 lakh–15 lakh area. Although Maruti Suzuki may have been late to the EV party, if the YY8's specifications (and price) are any indication, this vehicle may spoil Tata Motors' party.

CarBike360 always keeps you up to date on the latest updates, news, reviews, new innovations, sales reports, and all things automobile. So, if you're looking for a platform where you can get relevant information about vehicles, this is the place to be. Stay tuned for new updates.