Suzuki to go full EV with e-Vitara in PH?

MANILA: After filling its roster with so-called mild-hybrid models, Suzuki Philippines Incorporated could go full throttle in its electrification journey anytime soon. 

To note, nameplates like the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid, Ertiga Hybrid, XL7 Hybrid, and Fronx GLX AT Hybrid vehicles — despite bearing the actual “Hybrid” word in their names — do not classify as hybrid vehicles because they cannot power the vehicle with electric power alone. 

That said, the Department of Energy has issued a regulatory approval for the Suzuki e-Vitara, marking the return of the nameplate in the Philippine market, sans the internal combustion engine and now sporting a fully electric powerplant. 

It could be high time the Japanese carmaker’s local wing introduced a full electric model, with Filipinos being more accepting of electric vehicles (EV) and enjoying the simple luxuries these emissions-free rides have to offer. 

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PH specifications 

A link can be found on the Department of Energy’s website that sends visitors directly to Suzuki Philippines Incorporated’s page. Here, some notable information about the Suzuki e-Vitara can be found. 

Here are its specifications, per Suzuki Philippines Incorporated: 

Powertrain, chassis 

The Suzuki e-Vitara is equipped with an electric motor at the front that delivers 171 horsepower and 193 Newton-meters of torque. A single-speed electric drive acts as its transmission. 

Its electric powertrain sends the crossover from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 150 kph. It has a range of 426 kilometers. 

Halts and deceleration are handled by ventilated disc brakes all around. 

Suspension-wise, it uses MacPherson struts at the fore and a multi-link system at the back. 

The Suzuki e-Vitara uses a CCS2 direct current charging system and a Type 2 (Phase 1) alternating current charging inlet.  

Fit, finish 

In terms of looks, the Suzuki e-Vitara appears to be rugged and masculine with plenty of chunky-looking cladding on the bumper, wheel arches, and side sills. Likewise, the pillars and side mirrors are also blacked out. 

The author chanced upon seeing the vehicle in the metal in a recent trip to Japan, and can confirm that it looks rugged and modern at the same time, which can help it attract more buyers in the country. 

The design language, too, is pretty angular with plenty of sharp corners on the fenders, bonnet, and even the wheels, which are done in a two-tone fashion. 

Notable are its door handles for the rear windows, which remind us of those on the Honda HR-V. 

On Suzuki Philippines Incorporated’s website, the photo of the posted e-Vitara is in tactical green, which gives the vehicle a more robust appearance. 

As for its appointments, it gets power windows, what appears to be LED illumination, turn signals on the side mirrors, front fog lamps, and a set of 18-inch wheels shod in 225/55-series tires. 

Inside is an automatic air conditioner, cabin lights with ambient lighting, bottle holders, Type A and Type C USB charging ports, a 12-volt accessory socket, and a wireless phone charger. 

Safety-wise, the Suzuki e-Vitara gets the following technologies: 

• Seatbelts
• Airbags 
• Multiple collision braking 
• Lane departure prevention
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive high beam assist 
• Blind spot monitor 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Electronic brake-force distribution 
• Electronic stability program 

In addition to a 360-degree camera and parking sensors, the Suzuki e-Vitara carries the Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II) system, which is now made available for the updated Jimny 3-door. 

For those unaware of what it is, DBS II is a safety system that uses “a monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead.” It also issues audio and visual warnings and can automatically apply the brakes when necessary. 

The carmaker, however, clarified that “detection performance depends on sensor capability and road conditions, and reminded drivers not to rely solely on the system.” 

Possible launch date 

Suzuki Philippines Incorporated has yet to announce when the e-Vitara will be launched. 

However, many fans will expect it to be presented in either this year’s biggest auto expos,  which are the Manila International Auto Show, the Philippine International Motor Show, and the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit. 

Zigwheels EV Love

For the month of February, Zigwheels Philippines has focused on electrified mobility with our series dubbed EV Love. 

Here, we talk about various electrified vehicles that have gained the nod from DOE. 

If you want to know more about new-energy vehicles, a good place to start is by reading any of the following articles: 

EV lists: 

•  EV Love: Classifications, categories, samples 
• EV Love: list of HEV models recognized by DOE
• EV Love: list of PHEV models recognized by DOE
• EV Love: list of BEV models recognized by DOE

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) by brand: 

• EV Love: Diving into Audi, Bentley HEV models
• EV Love: check out all the HEV offerings from Chery, Ford, Honda
• EV Love: HEVs from BMW, MG, GAC, Mazda, Dongfeng, Nissan, BAIC, Omoda
• EV Love: HEV models from Toyota, Lexus, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Porsche

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) by brand: 

• EV Love: PHEVs from Bentley, BMW, BYD
• EV Love: Check out these PHEVs from Jetour, Lynk & Co; upcoming models from Denza, Geely, JAC
• EV Love: PHEVs from Lamborghini, Porsche
• EV Love: PHEVs from Chevy, Chery, Dongfeng, Aito, DFSK, Mercedes-Benz

This is an ongoing series to be sure to check out our other upcoming releases, here. 

Also read:

Zigwheels PH most viewed for 2025: Suzuki Jimny

180 Suzuki Jimnys gather for 'Jimnyfest 2025'

Suzuki PH to start releasing 3-door Jimny Rhino Edition

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