Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are set to expand their electric-vehicle (EV) portfolios in India as demand for zero-emission cars grows. Both have a single model in their current line-up, but their future plans could result in a far greater number of electric cars under both brands.
Maruti Suzuki currently has the eVitara as its only all-electric SUV in India, while Toyota has the e-Bella, which uses the same platform and technology. The partnership between the two Japanese automakers will be important in their next phase of EV expansion, as several upcoming Maruti Suzuki electric models could also result in Toyota-badged variants.
One of the important upcoming products from Maruti Suzuki is set to be the YMC-based electric MPV. The model would be expected to appeal to buyers looking for a practical, spacious electric family vehicle and could end up being one of the company’s key EV offerings after the eVitara. With the existing collaboration between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, however, a Toyota variant of this electric MPV could also arrive in the future.
Alongside the MPV, Maruti Suzuki is also expected to develop a small electric hatchback based on the EWX concept. The upcoming model would be expected to target buyers looking for a more affordable electric car for urban use, and a compact footprint, practical interior and lower running costs could give it a significant role in Maruti Suzuki’s future EV strategy.
Toyota could benefit greatly from the same product strategy. Although the company has not officially confirmed a Toyota-badged variant of the EWX-based electric hatchback, the possibility is very strong due to the long-standing technical and product partnership between the two manufacturers. If Toyota decides to adopt the model, it could offer its own version with brand-specific styling and equipment while sharing much of the underlying technology with the Maruti Suzuki variant.
The partnership could also lead to a Toyota YMC-based electric MPV. Such a model would give Toyota an entry into the growing electric MPV segment, while also letting the company make use of technology and development work shared with Maruti Suzuki. Toyota would be able to differentiate the vehicle through its own exterior design, interior treatment and feature package.
A Toyota small electric hatchback could therefore end up another potential product for the Indian market. While there is no official confirmation, a Toyota version of Maruti Suzuki’s future compact EV would fit the companies’ existing strategy of sharing products while keeping the brands separate.
The expansion of these electric models would give Maruti Suzuki and Toyota a far greater presence across different EV segments. Rather than having a single electric SUV, the companies could eventually offer electric SUVs, MPVs and compact hatchbacks targeting different price points and customer requirements.
With Maruti Suzuki expected to be playing a major role in developing more mass-market EVs and Toyota potentially introducing badge-engineered variants, the partnership could be increasingly important in India’s electric-car market. If these plans move ahead, buyers can expect to see several new Maruti Suzuki and Toyota electric cars arriving over the next few years.