The big switch

CAN MARUTI SUZUKI GIVE A JOLT TO HYUNDAI?

- VIKRAM CHAUDHARY

THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) segment is heating up, with Maruti Suzuki set to launch its first EV, the eVitara. Its biggest competitor will be Hyundai Creta Electric, launched earlier this year. Both these cars are similar in size, but differ in terms of battery, range, and acceleration. In case you are in the market for the Creta Electric, should you wait for the eVitara?

The basics

Creta Electric: It comes with two battery options — 42 kWh (420-km ARAI range) and 51.4 kWh (510 km) — and is a petrol/diesel car turned electric. It has a pixelated-pattern front grille with a charging port; the alloy wheel design is unique; the floor houses the battery pack; in place of the engine are the motor and a frunk (front trunk); and it has an EV-specific user interface with a dual-screen setup.