The year 2024 is poised to be the year of all-electric SUVs. EV sales figures in March 2024 provided a significant boost to the Central Government’s 2020 sustainability plan, with passenger vehicles, including SUVs, experiencing a 90 per cent increase in retail sales compared to 2023. Overall, FY 2024 witnessed a 42 per cent increase in the entire electric vehicle segment. As SUVs are on the verge of capturing over 50 per cent of the automobile market share in India, manufacturers are preparing to launch electric SUVs. Consider these five electric SUVs before making your final decision.
Citroen eC3 Aircross
Following in the footsteps of the C3 hatchback, Citroen is working on an all-electric eC3 Aircross. The petrol version of the SUV made its debut in September 2023 and has failed to dent the market. Last month, Citroen managed to sell only 211 units of the C3 Aircross.
Being a midsize SUV, the French car maker will have to use a bigger battery as the eC3 gets a 29.2kW battery capacity. Citroen is not expected to make any new changes, hence, the electric SUV should be available as both a 5-seater and a 7-seater.Â
Mahindra 3X0 EV
Mahindra has rebranded the XUV300 to 3X0 and its internal combustion version will be launched on April 29. The company is expected to follow it up by launching its electric version soon. The 3X0 sports C-shaped connected LED tail lights, new LED headlights and a new set of alloy wheels.
The electric SUV is expected to get a dual 10.25-inch infotainment screen and an all-digital instrument cluster. It will be packed with features like ventilated front seats, AdrenoX-connected technology, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a new climate control system. The XUV400 is available with two battery packs — 34.5 kWh and 39.4 kWh and the 3X0 EV is expected to retain the same.Â
Mahindra XUV e.8
The XUV e.8 will be based on an all-new INLGO EV architecture. The new electric SUV is expected to be powered by an 80 kWh battery pack, which will be able to fast charge 80 per cent of the battery in 30 minutes. It could also be powered by dual motors and be available as an all-wheel drive electric SUV. The new XUV e.8 will boast a complete digital dashboard with three screens including one for the front passenger.
Maruti Suzuki eVX
The eVX is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles as it will be Maruti Suzuki’s first EV in India. The vehicle is being jointly developed with its global partner Toyota. In terms of design, the electric SUV comes across a combination of the Fronx and the Grand Vitara.
According to Maruti Suzuki, the electric SUV will be powered by a 60 kWh battery and offer a driving range of around 550 km. It is based on a brand new EV platform and its length is 4,300 mm, width is 1,800 mm and height is 1,600 mm. Being an SUV, it will have a spacious cabin, high ground clearance and large wheels. According to Maruti Suzuki, the design will deliver a very low drag coefficient which improves both its performance and efficiency.Â
Tata Curvv electric
Both the Curvv electric and the Harrier EV were showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. The Curvv will be the most affordable EV SUV coupe. Even though Tata Motors hasn’t revealed the specifications, the Curvv EV is going to be one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class. Don’t be fooled by its sporty Coupe roofline as it retains the tough SUV DNA.
It has a tall stance with an imposing road presence with its muscular wheel arches. Continuing with Tata Motors’ EV design philosophy, the Curvv sports split headlight architecture with a slim LED DRL running across the bonnet shut line. With a notchback boot, the coupe SUV could offer a spacious boot. Based on the Nexon’s cabin, the Curvv will get an all-digital instrument cluster and touch-based panel for climate control.Â
