The BaaS concept is enabling buyers to go for new EVs at considerably lower costs due to the battery rental option
The Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is offering some attractive options for the buyers to make the entire process more accessible and affordable for a wide range of potential customers. E Vitara is the first EV from the Japanese carmaker in the world. It is being manufactured in India and supplied to the globe. In India, the mid-size electric SUV is expanding rapidly with tons of products. While this might be challenging for the carmakers, it gives a great opportunity to the customers to pick from a large portfolio. For now, let us check out the details of the costs of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in different scenarios.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Prices – BaaS vs Full Payment
For the uninitiated, the BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) model allows car buyers to pay only the cost of the EV up front without the price of the battery. As we know, the battery cost is the biggest factor in the overall price of any electric car. In most cases, the battery costs around 40% of the total cost of the car. Instead, the BaaS program lets the customers rent the battery for a monthly payment, depending on the usage. In the case of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, this brings down the cost for the entry-level Delta (49 kWh) variant to just Rs 10.99 lakh. The battery rental is Rs 3.99 per km.
Consequently, at the time of purchase, the owners will just need to pay Rs 10.99 lakh, instead of Rs 15.99 lakh, which is what the EV costs with the battery. This results in huge savings for people, not just in the initial price, but also on the loan interest over a span of 3-5 years, as per their loan terms and conditions. To make things even more enticing, the Indo-Japanese carmaker is offering a 60% assured buyback after three years and an 8-year warranty on the battery for greater peace of mind. Finally, the e Vitara buyers will also get a complimentary home charger with installation worth Rs 50,000, plus free charging for the first year. Clearly, there are tons of incentives for car buyers.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
In my view, Maruti Suzuki’s BaaS strategy for the e Vitara is a calculated move to address the biggest barrier to EV adoption in India, the high upfront cost. By bringing the entry price closer to ICE SUV territory, the brand is clearly targeting value-conscious buyers who were previously hesitant about electrification. The assured buyback and battery warranty further reduce perceived risk, which is critical for first-time EV customers. If executed well, this model could set a template for mass-market EV financing in the country.
Also Read: Maruti e Vitara vs MG Windsor – Which EV To Buy?
