Maruti begins EV prototype field tests

Maruti Suzuki has started field testing its first electric vehicle (EV) prototypes. The cars were recently flagged off from the company's Gurgaon facility.

In September 2018, Maruti Suzuki had announced its plans to conduct nation-wide field tests of 50 prototype EVs. The cars are developed by Suzuki Motor Corporation and are built at Maruti's Gurgaon factory. They are based on the sixth-generation Wagon R hatchback sold in Japan.

The field tests are designed to simulate real-life usage of the vehicles on various terrains and climatic conditions. The company also aims to gather inputs based on the customer's perspective during the test phase. 

While Maruti hasn't disclosed the technical specifications of these EVs, reports suggest that the cars are likely to be powered by a 72 V electric drive and a 10-25 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.