Long distances with an electric vehicle usually involve a lot of planning. Routes need to be mapped around available chargers, their operational status, and the hotels that can conveniently top up your battery. More importantly, every journey must be planned in a way that could help you reach your destination without delays.
But all that planning can feel like a hassle for those who prefer spontaneous getaways. And if you enjoy the freedom of setting off without a rigid plan, things are about to change if you wish to own an EV, because this is where the brilliance of Maruti Suzuki’s nationwide charging network and the e VITARA comes into play.
Maruti Suzuki took its time to bring out its first-ever electric SUV in the country because it recognised something crucial – that before selling an EV, we must first build the ecosystem that supports it. And that’s exactly what it has done.
The Maruti Suzuki charging ecosystem has been established across the country, with more than 2,000 chargers installed at Maruti Suzuki dealerships and service centres. In addition, the system integrates charging stations from over a dozen charge point operators, all accessible through the “e for me” app.
Multiple chargers. Multiple payment options.
All managed through a single app.
A system designed to make EV ownership truly seamless.
I experienced this firsthand on a drive from Mumbai to Nashik one morning. Luckily, the e VITARA was fully charged, which meant I could set off without a single worry.
The one-way journey was roughly 150 km, and my plan was simple – drive to Nashik and return to Mumbai on the same day.
I was driving the e VITARA Alpha variant equipped with the 61 kWh long-range battery, which offers a claimed range of 543 km. While those figures are based on ideal conditions, the crisp 10.25-inch instrument cluster showed a real-world range of around 470 km, more than enough to comfortably complete the round trip on a single charge.
Leaving Mumbai’s northern suburbs behind, I headed toward Nashik in search of a break from the city’s chaos. The serene and silent nature of the e VITARA made the drive instantly relaxing.
Efficiency has always been a hallmark of Maruti Suzuki’s ICE vehicles, and the more I drove the e VITARA, the clearer it became that this expertise has seamlessly been carried over into its first electric SUV.
My route was straightforward. I chose the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the 701 km expressway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, as it offered the fastest and smoothest path to Nashik while avoiding city traffic.
Getting onto the expressway, however, was far from easy. The roads were packed with trucks and buses. But the e VITARA’s regenerative braking system meant that even in slow traffic, the battery was gaining charge rather than losing it.
Once on the expressway, I expected the battery to drain faster at sustained highway speeds. Instead, the state of charge dropped remarkably slowly. This is something that you don’t often experience with EVs on long highway drives.
That gave me the confidence to take a detour to Igatpuri, known for its scenic hills and tranquil lakes.
The more I drove along the foothills of the Sahyadri range, the more the e VITARA impressed me. Its supple yet planted ride ensured complete comfort, even at highway speeds.
But what surprised me most was its efficiency.
Yes, Maruti Suzuki’s advanced battery management plays an important role, but the aerodynamic efficiency of the e VITARA stood out just as much.
Despite being a mid-size SUV, the e VITARA maintains impressive aerodynamic performance, thanks to its slightly sloping roofline and flat underbody design.
The Smart Grille with Adaptive Shutters further enhances efficiency. When closed, they improve aerodynamics and help maximise range. When opened, they channel cooling air directly to the battery.
Because the e VITARA is a born-electric SUV, its flat-floor architecture not only accommodates a large battery but also enhances interior space and improves overall handling.
The more I drove along the foothills of the Sahyadri range, the more I started appreciating the way the car drove. It tackled corners with aplomb, giving me the confidence to go faster than I had initially intended to.
Detour done, it was time to head to my original destination to finish what I had started — my search for the greatest Misal Pav Nashik had to offer.
When I left Igatpuri, the battery still had more than 70% charge remaining. That sparked a small challenge in my mind:
Could I reach Nashik with more than 50% battery still left?
Honestly, it seemed very possible.
And sure enough, I reached Nashik with more than 60% charge remaining, without changing my driving style at all.
A pleasant surprise, to say the least.
Charging Section
Technically, I could have driven back to Mumbai without charging the e VITARA even once.
But curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to experience how the Maruti Suzuki charging network actually works.
So I opened the e for me app.
And what I saw was genuinely impressive.
Every charger in the network, including those from partner charge point operators was clearly visible on the map.
But the real convenience comes with the e for me card. Simply tap it on the charger and the charging process begins instantly, no need to set charging limits, select units, or navigate complicated menus.
It’s charging, made effortless.
While waiting for the car to charge, I explored the app further and noticed something remarkable – that EV chargers were visible even in some of the most remote towns.
That’s the advantage of Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealer and service network, which reaches across the country, from large cities to smaller towns you might never expect.
And that changes everything.
Because if a completely unplanned drive from Mumbai to Nashik and back can be done without worrying about range, charger availability, or time constraints…
Just imagine what else is possible with the e VITARA and Maruti Suzuki’s vast EV ecosystem.
The answer? The possibilities are endless.
