Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to shake the Indian EV market with its first electric SUV, the e-Vitara (eVX). While this premium electric SUV was earlier expected to cost well over ₹20 lakh, fresh discussions suggest Maruti may launch it with a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.
If that happens, buyers could bring home a full-size electric SUV at the price of a petrol Grand Vitara. Here’s a simple breakdown of how this battery rental model works and whether it actually benefits you.
1. What Is the BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) Model?
In an electric vehicle, 40–50% of the total cost comes from the battery alone. Under the BaaS model:
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You buy the car without the battery, reducing the upfront price significantly
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The battery is provided on rental, either on a per-kilometre basis or a fixed monthly subscription
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Battery ownership and long-term health remain the manufacturer’s responsibility
2. Massive Drop in Purchase Price
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With battery (estimated): ₹18–23 lakh
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With BaaS (expected): ₹12–13 lakh starting price
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Rental cost: Likely ₹3.5–₹5 per km, similar to MG’s battery subscription model
This pricing could place the e-Vitara directly in the mass-market SUV segment.
3. Three Big Benefits for Buyers
Lower upfront cost:
You don’t need a large loan or heavy down payment to own a premium EV.
No battery stress:
Battery degradation, replacement, or failure risk stays with Maruti—not the owner.
Stronger resale value:
Used EV buyers worry about battery health. With BaaS, the next owner simply starts a new rental plan, improving resale confidence.
4. Key Highlights of the Maruti e-Vitara
Even with a battery rental model, there are no compromises on features:
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Range: Up to 543 km (ARAI) with the 61 kWh battery
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Drivetrain: Available ALLGRIP-e AWD, making it capable beyond city use
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Safety: Strong possibility of a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, a first for Maruti
Final Verdict: Should You Wait?
If you want to switch to an EV but are worried about high prices and long-term battery life, Maruti’s BaaS strategy could be a game-changer. It has the potential to bring electric SUVs into middle-class affordability, something no major brand has achieved yet at this scale.