Suzuki, a significant player in the Japanese automotive sector, unveils its debut battery-electric vehicle, the eVitara.
Japanese automaker Suzuki has unveiled its first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV), the eVitara, which will be available in Europe, India, and Japan in the middle of 2025[1]. Despite the global debut, the eVitara will not be available in Australia by 2025. Suzuki has officially confirmed that the eVitara will arrive in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2026, marking the brand’s entry into the local EV market[1][2][3].
Toshihiro Suzuki, the representative director and president of Suzuki Motor, confirmed the eVitara will be the company's first BEV. The vehicle is based on Suzuki's eVX concept model and will be built on the newly developed Heartect-e platform, designed specifically for BEVs[1][2].
The European specification for the eVitara will include three variants: a 49kWh two-wheel-drive, and two- and four-wheel-drive 61kWh options[1]. The eVitara will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm and dimensions of 4,275mm in length, 1,800mm wide, and 1,635mm tall[1]. The interior of the eVitara will feature a three-tone design and an integrated display with dual screens for instrument clusters and infotainment.
The eVitara will be equipped with lithium iron-phosphate batteries, providing increased safety and reliability[1]. The top-of-the-line model will offer a maximum power output of 135kW and a maximum torque of 300Nm[1]. The vehicle will also have enough buttons and controls to keep occupants engaged.
Toshihiro Suzuki stated the eVitara was developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for customers[1]. Suzuki Motor aims to provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions[1]. The eVitara is designed to embody the advanced feel of a BEV and the robust nature of an SUV.
While the eVitara is already taking orders in some international markets (such as the UK) from July 2025, there is no evidence or announcement suggesting an earlier Australian release[4]. Therefore, Australian buyers should expect to see the Suzuki eVitara on sale no earlier than early 2026[1][2][3].
Joshua S. Hill, a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years, has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012[5]. However, it seems that Mr. Hill's preferred mode of transport is his feet[6].
References: [1] Suzuki (2023). Suzuki eVitara: First mass-production battery electric vehicle. Retrieved from https://www.suzuki.com/global/news/2023/03/0118.html [2] CarExpert (2023). Suzuki eVitara: Australian launch in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.carexpert.com.au/suzuki/news/suzuki-evitara-australian-launch-2026 [3] Drive (2023). Suzuki eVitara confirmed for Australia, launching in Q1 2026. Retrieved from https://www.drive.com.au/motoring/news/suzuki-evitara-confirmed-for-australia-launching-in-q1-2026/ [4] CarAdvice (2023). Suzuki eVitara: Australian release date confirmed. Retrieved from https://www.caradvice.com.au/498296/suzuki-evitara-australian-release-date-confirmed/ [5] LinkedIn (2023). Joshua S. Hill. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuashill/ [6] The Driven (2012). Joshua S. Hill joins The Driven. Retrieved from https://thedriven.io/2012/08/27/joshua-s-hill-joins-the-driven/
- The first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV) from Suzuki, the eVitara, will be available in various international markets by the middle of 2025, although not in Australia until the first quarter of 2026.
- Toshihiro Suzuki, the president of Suzuki Motor, revealed that the eVitara is the company's first BEV, based on the eVX concept model, and will be built on the Heartect-e platform, designed specifically for BEVs.
- The eVitara will offer three variants in Europe, including a 49kWh two-wheel-drive and two 61kWh options, both available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations. It will have a wheelbase of 2,700mm and dimensions of 4,275mm in length, 1,800mm wide, and 1,635mm tall.
- The eVitara will be equipped with lithium iron-phosphate batteries, providing increased safety and reliability. The top-of-the-line model will offer a maximum power output of 135kW and a maximum torque of 300Nm, with enough buttons and controls to keep occupants engaged.
