Maruti Suzuki has recently launched the new generation Wagon R tall-boy hatchback in the country. Priced at Rs 4.19 lakh, the new model is bigger, spacious and more feature-loaded than the previous model. It is available only in petrol version only. However, the company is also testing the electric version of the Wagon R that is scheduled to be launched in 2020.
Maruti Suzuki is testing the electric WagonR in different weathers. This time, the hatchback has been spotted testing in the cold weather of Kufri in Shimla with temperature less than zero degree. In fact, this place witnessed heavy snowfall in the past few days. Kufri currently has low temperatures of around -9 degrees Celsius these days.
The spotted model was completely uncovered, revealing the Electric Vehicle badge. The company is testing around 50 such EVs across India. Most of the times, these prototypes were seen testing on the Urban roads, mostly in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and others. This is for the first time that the Wagon R Electric has been spotted in the remote region and in the cold weather conditions.
The testing models of the Maruti WagonR Electric have been developed at the Suzuki's headquarters in Japan. The tall-boy electric vehicle has been tuned as per Indian conditions. The model will be locally developed at the Suzuki's Gujarat based plant in India. The local development will allow automaker to curb pricing. Adding to it, Suzuki is also setting up a car battery plant in India. Suzuki in collaboration with Toshiba and Denso has invested Rs 1,137 crore on the new lithium-ion battery plant in Gujarat.
The Maruti WagonR Electric looks different from the new-gen Wagon R. It shares design with the Suzuki Solio, which is already on sale in international markets. Some of the design highlights include a two-part front grille, LED headlight, and vertically positioned LED tail-lights, body colored B-pillars and new front bumper design. The electric model is expected to be based on the HEARTECT platform that also underpins the new-gen model. The hatchback will receive dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, speed alert, seat belt reminder and rear parking sensors as standard safety features.
The Maruti WagonR Electric is likely to get a 72 volt system with 10-25kWh battery capacity. The hatchback is expected to offer a maximum range of 150kms on a single charge. The vehicle will also come in with fast charging feature.