Toyota will formally enter India’s electric passenger vehicle market with the launch of the Urban Cruiser EV on January 20, marking the company’s first all-electric model for the country. The electric SUV is based on the upcoming Maruti eVitara and will be manufactured in Gujarat for both domestic sales and exports.
Global Manufacturing Hub: Made-in-India for the World
The made-in-India Urban Cruiser EV is already on sale in select international markets, primarily Europe, alongside the eVitara. The India-spec version is expected to be largely identical to the one that is being exported.
Design and Interior Highlights
While the Urban Cruiser EV will feature distinct Toyota styling cues compared with the eVitara, the two SUVs are expected to share key mechanicals, interior layout and equipment. According to industry sources, the cabin will feature a two-spoke steering wheel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a comprehensive safety package, including Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Powertrain, Range, and Competition
On the powertrain front, Toyota is expected to offer the same battery and motor options as Maruti. These include 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery packs, with the larger unit expected to deliver a claimed range of up to 543 km on a single charge. Front-mounted electric motor options producing around 144 hp and 174 hp are also likely to be shared.
The Urban Cruiser EV will enter a rapidly intensifying mid-size electric SUV segment and will compete with models such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV and the upcoming Tata Sierra EV that goes on sale later this year. Maruti is also readying a market launch of the eVitara, however no launch timeline has been announced yet.
