Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is the brand's first proper electric SUV in India, and it marks a big moment for Maruti. It is a five seat midsize SUV with a flat floor that frees up rear legroom and a 310 litre boot. Buyers ready to switch to electric with home charging in place are the target.

A choice of two batteries shapes the car. The 49 kWh pack is rated for about 440 km, while the 61 kWh pack stretches to about 543 km. Both drive the front wheels through a single-speed automatic, so the drive stays smooth and quiet at any speed.

Prices run from ₹16.19 Lakh for the Delta to ₹19.99 Lakh for the Alpha, over three trims. The bigger battery arrives on the Zeta and Alpha, so stepping up buys both range and kit. If distance matters most, weigh the range each e Vitara trim delivers.

Living with this Maruti EV suits city and suburban drivers who can plug in at home. Charging costs far less per kilometre than petrol, and an electric motor needs very little routine service. The cabin is roomy, quiet and modern in feel. Regenerative braking tops the battery back up as you slow, which helps in stop and go traffic. The low centre of gravity gives a planted, steady feel through corners. Software updates keep the car current over time.

For a first electric SUV from a brand with a huge service network, the e Vitara is a reassuring way to go electric. Once a trim appeals, browse the e Vitara colour range to finish the choice.