Maruti Suzuki and Toyota currently have no EVs in the Indian market. However, it is no secret that both are developing a mid-size electric SUV. The codename for Maruti Suzuki’s version is YY8.
Now, according to the latest reports, Maruti Suzuki is said to have floated a Request or Quotation (RFQ) for the upcoming electric SUV. Thus, it is likely that we could see the first all-electric vehicle from Maruti Suzuki make its debut during the festive season in 2024. According to sources, this will be around Dussehra or Diwali in 2024.
Leading the development of the YY8 electric SUV is said to be Suzuki Japan. The brand has already benchmarked against Peugeot e2008 and Nissan Leaf. The all-electric SUV will use the 27PL ‘skateboard platform’. The platform is derived from Toyota’s 40PL global platform. The all-electric platform means the brands don’t have to worry about an engine compartment, transmission tunnel and centre console. Thus, allowing designers to free up more space in the interiors.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV – Design
Unlike the Brezza-Urban Cruiser and Baleno-Glanza, the YY8 and Toyota’s version of the electric SUV will have distinctive styling. According to sources, Maruti Suzuki’s version will feature a design language that is radically different from the current styling of the IC engine range. Maruti Suzuki displayed the Futuro-e Concept at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is likely that the YY8 could draw its design inspiration from this concept.
The brand will not design the mid-size SUV, just keeping the Indian market in mind. This is because the model will be a global car and Maruti Suzuki and Toyota also plan on exporting the model.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV – Battery, Motor & Range
According to sources, the YY8 will offer two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. As such, there will be two powertrain options. Firstly, the base model will get a 48 kWh battery pack paired with a single 138 HP motor. Under standard test conditions, it will deliver approximately 400 km of range on a single charge. Powering the all-wheel-drive variant will be two electric motors. It will also get a larger 59 kWh battery pack and 170 HP of combined power. The real-world range will be approximately 500 km on a single charge.
As of now, it is not clear if Maruti Suzuki will launch the all-wheel-drive version in the Indian market. On the other hand, Toyota’s version will likely come with both drivetrain options. Toyota’s version will have identical specifications to the YY8. However, dimensions will slightly vary because of its design and styling.
Maruti Suzuki YY8 Electric SUV – Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki YY8 will not be a compact SUV but a mid-size SUV. According to sources, the electric SUV will measure 4.2-metre in length. On the other hand, it will measure about 1.9-metre in width. Thus, making it much bigger than the Tata Nexon EV and almost as large as the MG ZS EV. Like most dedicated EVs, the YY8 will have a long wheelbase of 2,700 mm.
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