A camouflaged version of Suzuki’s first electric vehicle (EV) has been spotted again, this time undergoing hot weather testing in Southern Europe as the continent experiences a heatwave.
The prototype doesn’t appear to look any different from the one spotted several weeks ago testing in Poland.
While it remains heavily camouflaged, we can see the overall shape of the model looks to have remained largely faithful to the eVX concept vehicle which debuted at the Delhi motor show in January.
A glimpse of the model’s heavily disguised interior was previously spied through an open door, showing a large digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen situated in the same assembly.
Approximately 4300mm long, the crossover is similar in size to Hyundai Kona and may be available with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
The eVX model is rumoured to be underpinned by a bespoke EV architecture developed in collaboration with Toyota – which will make its own version of the model as part of a wide-ranging EV rollout.
Toyota’s small electric bZ Small Crossover SUV, although longer than the eVX, looks the most likely of the 16 diverse electric concepts previewed by Toyota last year to share the platform.
Suzuki also previously discussed plans to use a Porsche Taycan-style multi-speed EV transmission made by Canadian company Inmotive Inc., designed to cut costs as well as improve efficiency by 15 per cent.
The production version of the eVX will reportedly be launched in January or February 2025 by the Indian subsidiary of Suzuki but is also being developed for global markets.
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eVX concept -
A reported 50 per cent of production volume out of the Gujarat plant will be for export.
We understand Europe will be the priority region outside of India, with Australia further down the pecking order.
“The eVX is a BEV model that combines Suzuki’s strong 4×4 DNA with the advanced features of the latest BEVs. The exterior is designed to be instantly recognisable as a Suzuki SUV. In addition, it aims to carry forward the brand’s 4×4 legacy into the new electric era,” Suzuki said of the concept.
A 60kWh battery pack has been confirmed, as well as a driving range of 550km on the Indian testing cycle, likely a lower range on the WLTP cycle.
An entry-level version with a smaller battery of around 48kWh with around 400km of range is also expected.
Suzuki plans to launch five EVs in Europe by 2030, including this upcoming crossover and an electric Jimny.
While Suzuki has already introduced electrified vehicles in the form of hybrid and mild-hybrid models in markets like Europe, it has yet to do so in Australia.
Its first hybrid model – the S-Cross – isn’t due until 2024.