While all of us are waiting for the launch of the Maruti Suzuki Jimmy in India, the company is already planning an all-electric version of the off-roader. According to a media report, Suzuki is keen to continue the legacy of the Jimmy in the years to come. However, many countries have already banned ICE cars in the future or are planning to do so very soon. This means, mass market vehicles like the Jimmy will have to be discontinued.
The current-generation Jimny is already being sold as a commercial vehicle in Europe due to its high CO2 emissions. Commercial vehicles have a different set of rules as compared to passenger vehicles. Suzuki’s plans for electric vehicles in Europe included a silhouette of the boxy Jimmy as one of the upcoming electric vehicles for the market. This means, the 3-door version will first get electrification and then the company might consider to work on the 5-door off-roader.
In terms of electric powertrain retrofits, Suzuki definitely has a challenge up its sleeves. To start with, the ladder on frame chassis that gives the car its robustness takes up a lot of space which could be utilised for the battery pack. It is possible that Jimmy could come with a 60 kWh battery pack. This could be borrowed from the eVX concept recently showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo.
Infact, coming to body-on-frame vehicles converted to electric vehicles, the Ford F-150 Lightning is one that comes to our minds first. This American SUV retains is overall dimensions as well as functions in its electric guise. In fact, recently Toyota also showcased the Hilux and the Innova EV concepts. Although too early to say, carmakers are looking at different ways to incorporate electrification in their existing portfolio.
Coming to the powertrain, Maruti is likely to install two motors – one on each axle. This is to offer four-wheel-drive option. Here, the dual motors would act independently and could offer better off-road capability than the ICE counterpart. However, the savings here in weight and ability are likely to be offset due to the weight of the large battery pack. This is where the 5-door Jimmy could be a better candidate for electrification than a 3-door one.
Also Read – Maruti Suzuki Jimny bags 15,000 bookings, 5,500 for Fronx.