Suzuki Finally Gears Up for EV Showdown in Nepal with Chinese Rivals

Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) market is racing ahead, with EVs now making up an extraordinary 73% of all newly imported four-wheelers—one of the highest adoption rates worldwide.

In the last fiscal year ending mid-July, overall four-wheeler imports—including passenger buses, microbuses, and private vehicles—rose 27.04% year-on-year. EV imports alone jumped 23.33%, with 16,701 out of 22,907 vehicles being electric.

So far, the segment has been dominated by Chinese brands such as BYD, MG, Seres, and Neta, which have built their lead through affordable pricing, advanced technology, and aggressive rollout. Indian automakers, once dominant in the internal combustion engine (ICE) era, have been slower to catch up. Tata’s Punch and Tiago EVs have seen success, and Mahindra recently unveiled its BE 6 and XEV 9e SUVs at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025.

Amid this competitive landscape, Suzuki has finally stepped into the ring. Suzuki’s first all-electric SUV for Nepal, the e-Vitara, arrived on August 14, 2025. A test unit was showcased the following day, followed by a public display at the NADA Auto Show in Kathmandu from August 19–24. While the official price was withheld, Karun Shakya, Assistant General Manager at CG Motocorp—Suzuki’s authorized distributor in Nepal—confirmed that sales will begin between Dashain and Tihar, with pre-bookings already underway.

Until now, Suzuki’s Nepali portfolio—including models like Jimny, Swift, Dzire, Fronx, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Celerio, Baleno, Ertiga, Wagon R, Alto K10, and Eeco—offered no electric option. The e-Vitara changes that, signaling Suzuki’s intent to capture a slice of Nepal’s surging EV segment.

Features & Specifications

The e-Vitara positions itself firmly in the compact SUV segment, with dimensions of 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, 1,640 mm in height, and a 2,700 mm wheelbase that gives it a balanced road presence. Suzuki is offering multiple powertrain choices to appeal to different buyers. The base model comes with a 49 kWh battery paired with a front-mounted motor that delivers 144 hp and 189 Nm of torque. A higher-spec version is equipped with a 61 kWh battery producing 174 hp with the same torque, promising a real-world driving range of more than 500 km under MIDC testing standards. Looking ahead, an all-wheel-drive variant is also in the pipeline, which will add a 65 hp rear motor, boosting the total output to 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque.

On paper, the e-Vitara claims an impressive 500 km range, though real-world tests on Nepali roads are still underway to validate the figure. Charging flexibility is built in, with support for both AC and DC fast charging. The SUV sits on 18-inch wheels, offers 180 mm of ground clearance, and even includes a spare tire—a practical feature often missing in many modern EVs.

Inside, Suzuki has emphasized both comfort and technology. The cabin is highlighted by a twin-deck floating console with ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster. Connectivity comes via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a premium Harman audio system enhances the driving experience. The front seats are ventilated, the driver’s seat offers 10-way power adjustment, and the rear seats recline with a versatile 40:20:40 split.

Safety has been given equal priority. The body uses over 50% high-tensile steel for structural strength, and the SUV comes equipped with seven airbags. Advanced features such as Level 2 ADAS—including lane assist and autonomous emergency braking—are complemented by all-wheel disc brakes, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an emergency call function.

Regional & Global Outlook

In India, the e-Vitara is still in its final testing phase. Unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi this January, production began at Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat on August 26, with the domestic launch set for September 3. Prices are expected to range between INR 1.8–2.5 million (pre-tax). The Gujarat facility will also serve as a global export hub, with plans to sell the SUV in over 100 countries.

In Nepal, the e-Vitara will directly compete with the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, and MG ZS EV. CG Motocorp, which has over 50,000 Suzuki vehicles already on Nepali roads, will distribute the e-Vitara through its nationwide network of 38 sales outlets and 46 service centers.

The article was published in New Business Age magazine, September 2025 issue.