- Suzuki Jimny EV could debut by 2026 according to Suzuki’s new announcements
- The Suzuki Jimny EV three-door could likely cater to private buyers in the European markets
- The Suzuki Jimny EV five-door will follow soon afterwards and will be made in India
Suzuki has announced its EV plans for the EV markets and that includes an electric version of the popular Suzuki Jimny SUV. In the announcement, a silhouette of the Suzuki Jimny was spotted which indicates that a Suzuki Jimny EV could be in the works. The vehicle is also likely to enter the European market first in its three-door configuration by 2026. The five-door version could be expected to follow soon after possibly with a slightly larger battery pack which will be made in India.
Suzuki to launch a three-door Suzuki Jimny EV
The Suzuki Jimny EV could be a potential comeback for Suzuki’s cute little off-roader in the European markets. While the Jimny is difficult to classify under any one fixed automotive segment; however, the compact dimensions, light controls, great off-road ability and Suzuki’s reliability make it a popular choice. Given Europe’s stringent emission norms, it only makes sense for the company to re-introduce it as an EV.
Suzuki might actually be working on this plan as the new announcement for the company’s EV plans in Europe suggests a Jimny EV. The Jimny EV was identified thanks to a very recognisable silhouette and the five-slat grille up front. The new Suzuki Jimny EV could also get the company’s new dotted LED DRL signature as seen in the teaser.
However, bigger challenges lie in the form of upgrading Jimny’s off-road-ready ladder on the frame chassis to accommodate the new battery pack. Companies such as Toyota and Ford have already been successful in developing a solution for their Innova, Hilux and F-150 respectively. One likely solution includes fitting the battery pack inside the frame that will protect and accommodate the EV’s power source without compromising on the chassis balance. The capacity can then be doubled by stacking up another layer of cells in case a larger power source is needed. An unlikely way to upgrade the Jimny could be hosting the battery pack under the frame, and protecting it separately as this would require altering the chassis geometry.
The last icing on the cake would be a dual motor setup to lend the Jimny EV its off-road credibility with a four-wheel drive system. This task is easier when compared to adapting the battery to the chassis. The dual motor system can be fitted to the front and back axles which will contribute to regenerative braking as well. The Jimny EV could also be more efficient than its ICE counterpart. There is no word on the pricing of the Jimny EV at the moment.
