Maruti is planning to unveil the Futuro E electric car at the 2020 Auto Expo, which we believe is based on the XL5 test mule.
Maruti has been testing camouflaged WagonR from the past couple months. While it had led us to believe that it may be the WagonR Stingray or XL5, it might rather be the upcoming electric WagonR or the Futuro E.
The electric WagonR in White colour that has been spotted a lot of times is not the one we will get. It is the Japanese-spec WagonR that was just used for components testing. The recently spotted test mule is the upcoming Futuro E.
The latest interior image shows that the basic layout is the same as on the WagonR. Instead, you get new and bigger touchscreen infotainment. The AC console is also different as it now displays the temperature control. It will get a single-speed transmission and different levels of regenerative braking.
The spied test mule gets new split LED headlamps and alloy wheels as well. However, if noticed, the front grille seems to be fully covered. Neither is there any exhaust pipe seen in any of the earlier spy shots.
Also Read: New Maruti Vitara Brezza Facelift Spied โ Launch Likely in Feb 2020
The electric Maruti WagonR will give a driving range of around 200 kilometres on a single charge. The test mule of the EV that has been spied is exclusive for the Japanese market and the car is just used for testing the battery, range and electric motor.
The electric WagonR will come with a fast DC charger, that can charge up the battery from 0-80% in just about 40 minutes. For the home charging solutions, Maruti is likely to provide the AC wall chargers.
FYI, the EV will not be available for the private owners initially, and will straight away go for commercial transport. The manufacturer states that the EV is likely to demand an upwards of Rs 11 Lakhs and will also offer a low range. Probably, if the taxes and prices are in control, Maruti might consider it for the masses as well.
Also Read: Maruti WagonR 1.2 ZXi Long Term Review โ Most Practical Hatchback Under 10 Lakhs
As for the spied test mule, it might also later become the Stingray version. Maruti used to offer the Stingray alongside the earlier generation WagonR. It looked a bit different than the WagonR, more like WagonR on steroids.