Next generation Maruti Suzuki WagonR will have electrified powertrain and is speculated to be developed along with Toyota
Maruti Suzuki has been reported to launch its first electric vehicle in India by the end of this decade and it will be based on the next generation WagonR hatchback. It is part of the collaboration with Toyota as the electrified WagonR could be manufactured at Suzuki’s new plant in Gujarat. The facility will also be responsible for new battery production venture between Suzuki, Toshiba and Denso.
However, the people-in-the-know at MSIL told BusinessLine that the production base has not been confirmed yet as Manesar or Gurugram facility is also considered. Since the existing WagonR is rolled out from Gurugram, changes could be made there, while the battery and related components may be received from Gujarat.
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The WagonR has been a mainstay in the brand’s success story with nearly two decades of presence in the domestic market. Over 20 lakh examples of the WagonR have been retailed through its lifespan and is still going strongly in sales despite the popularity of recently launched products from Maruti Suzuki. It is a regular along with Alto in the monthly best-sellers’ chart and a MPV derivative based on the existing generation could be launched before the brand new electric version.
Whether the next-gen WagonR will be sold solely as a zero-emission vehicle or have its IC-engined variants is yet unknown. It has been said that the WagonR five-seater, currently sold with manual and AGS options, can hold the weight of the battery better than the Alto. In just two years’ time, India is more likely to have better EV infrastructure as well, said the report.
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In an official statement, Suzuki and Toyota had announced recently that an “ultra high-efficiency power train” is in the works and it will be developed by the former in association with technical support from Toyota’s Denso Corporation. The badge engineered versions of the Vitara Brezza and Baleno will be launched by Toyota as soon as next year in India.
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