Big EV Launches This Month: The Indian electric vehicle market is witnessing a warm-up this January with the launches of the two most awaited models from the classic Japanese manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki and Toyota. After a long period of uncertainty, marketing hints, and demonstrations, both car makers are, at last, geared up to offer the public low-priced, highly equipped electric SUVs.
Big EV Launches This Month
Maruti Suzuki eVitara
Maruti Suzuki has long dominated the Indian passenger vehicle market but until now, it had stayed relatively quiet in the electric car segment. That changes in a big way this January with the eVitara, the company’s first born-electric SUV.
The eVitara is expected to launch around 13 January 2026 and represents a serious entry into the EV race, designed to appeal to families and daily commuters looking for a practical, modern electric SUV. Built on the HEARTECT-e platform developed specifically for EVs, the eVitara combines strong safety standards with a spacious, tech-forward cabin.
Buyers will likely get a choice of two battery options, a 48.8 kWh unit and a larger 61.1 kWh pack. The larger battery promises a claimed range of up to 543 km on a single charge, making the eVitara competitive with rivals such as the Hyundai Creta Electric and Mahindra BE6.
Inside, the SUV doesn’t skimp on features. Expect a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch digital driver display, level-2 ADAS safety technology, and comfort-oriented touches like ventilated seats and seven airbags as standard.
Price expectations hover in the ₹15 lakh to ₹22.5 lakh (ex-showroom) bracket, which could make it one of the most compelling EV deals in the midsize SUV segment.
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Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
Just days after Maruti’s big moment, Toyota is set to enter the Indian EV arena with its own take on the same electric SUV platform. The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is confirmed for launch on 19 January 2026, and while the core mechanics and architecture are shared with the eVitara, Toyota is positioning this model with its own design sensibilities and brand values.
This Urban Cruiser EV is not just a rebadged eVitara, it gets unique styling touches, including Toyota’s signature lighting elements, a distinctive front fascia, and a slightly more premium design language both inside and out.
It is anticipated that the battery and powertrain options will be the same as Maruti’s setup with both 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, thus covering different buyer preferences widely.
The Toyota alternative is likely to be priced a little more than the Maruti variant, with price forecasts being in the range of ₹18 lakh and ₹26 lakh (ex-showroom).
These launches are not only product releases, but they also carry a powerful message. For a long time, the Indian EV market was a small group of players and early adopters. With Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, it would be hard to imagine that electric SUVs would still be a choice of the main stream rather than a niche alternative.
