Toyota, Maruti Suzuki developing all-electric mid-size SUV
According to a new report, Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are expected to introduce a new all-electric midsize SUV platform in the next few years. When it comes to the electric SUV, each brand will have its own individual style, as opposed to the Baleno-Glanza and Brezza-Urban Cruiser badge engineering efforts.
There will be a new design language for the Maruti Suzuki version (codename: YY8), which is projected to be futuristic and significantly distinct from the present IC engine.
Suzuki and Toyota have big ambitions for the model’s exportation as well. As a result, it will be produced in Suzuki’s Gujarat plant for both domestic and international markets.
To put it another way, the YY8’s size is something of a shock. Many were expecting a sub-4-meter tiny WagonR, but what they got is an alleged 4.2-meter long SUV that was wider and taller than a Creta. There are currently no major electric vehicles that are larger than this vehicle.
Because it is an all-electric vehicle from the ground up, the YY8 is said to have a long wheelbase: 2,700mm to be exact. It is said to be built on Toyota’s 40PL global platform, which is a skateboard-style architecture for tiny electric vehicles.
The interiors of the YY8 are expected to be groundbreaking because of the packaging freedom provided by such a born electric architecture – something that both Maruti Suzuki and Toyota will take full advantage of as it will be possible to push the cabin to all corners of the car because of this platform’s lack of an engine compartment and transmission tunnel.
Also read: This is why electric vehicle designs are so generic
Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the YY8 are currently said to be developed. Under normal conditions, the base two-wheel-drive model is projected to have a single 138hp motor and a 48kWh battery pack, which can go 400 kilometres. There are two electric motors that generate a total of 170 horsepower and a 59kWh battery pack that increases range to an estimated 500 kilometres in real-world driving circumstances for the all-wheel-drive model. The Toyota-derived model is anticipated to be available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Toyota-badged YY8 will have equal specs, but its outward proportions may change due to its completely different design and style, which will resemble the company’s global BZ4X electric vehicle.
As far as localisation is concerned, Suzuki Motor Corp., Denso Corp. and Toshiba Corp. have set up a large-scale battery manufacturing joint-venture in Gujarat to locally produce lithium-ion battery packs for the YY8 and all its derivatives.
It’s safe to assume that a battery pack, which is the most expensive part of an electric vehicle, may be sourced locally, giving the companies a significant cost advantage over competitors who at best assemble imported battery packs locally.
The final products may be launched in India by 2025 if the source report is to be believed.
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