Maruti Suzuki’s first global electric vehicle, the e Vitara, has received a 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), becoming the first electric SUV in India to achieve the top score. The rating was formally presented to Maruti Suzuki by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on 2 December.
With this recognition, the e Vitara joins Maruti Suzuki’s expanding portfolio of 5-star Bharat NCAP-rated vehicles, which includes the All-New Dzire, Victoris and Invicto. The company has now secured four consecutive 5-star ratings under the programme.
Features of e Vitara
Built on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT-e platform, designed exclusively for electric vehicles, the e Vitara features enhanced structural rigidity, high-voltage safety architecture and a body made with more than 60 per cent high-tensile and ultra-high-tensile steel. The electric SUV comes equipped with seven airbags as standard across variants, including a driver knee airbag, along with Level 2 ADAS, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, and Multi-Collision Braking.
Congratulating the company, Gadkari said, “I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”
Hisashi Takeuchi, managing director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said“The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first battery electric vehicle, is a moment of immense pride. Using this rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries.”
The company said the e Vitara has been engineered for global conditions, with its batteries tested for performance from 60°C to –30°C. Offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, the model promises strong performance, extended range and comfort aligned with international safety standards.
