Suzuki Shows Electric Minivehicle with 310-km Range

Tokyo, Aug. 24 (Jiji Press)–Suzuki Motor Corp. unveiled online Monday a prototype of its first electric vehicle with a reference range of 310 kilometers, among the longest for electric minivehicles. The e Sky is expected to go on sale within the current fiscal year ending next March. Suzuki has yet to set a price for the model but aims to make it affordable enough to encourage a shift among gasoline car owners. The automaker drew on decades of its experience developing minivehicles, making the most of the segment’s hallmark maneuverability. It achieved the e Sky’s long range by achieving weight reduction and high energy efficiency. “We were mindful of making the vehicle easy to drive even for gasoline car users,” a Suzuki development official said, adding that the company was able to strike a balance between cost and performance. The vehicle’s navigation system recommends routes based on the remaining driving range and traffic conditions, addressing drivers’ concerns about running out of charge before reaching a charging spot. Competition in Japan’s electric minivehicle market is expected to intensify as it expands. China’s BYD Co. launched its Racco electric minivehicle in July, while EMT Co., based in Yokohama, the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, plans to enter the market in 2027. EMT was founded in 2025 by five Japanese and Chinese firms, including Japanese car accessory supplier Autobacs Seven Co. and China’s Chery Automobile Co. Suzuki welcomed the growing competition, with a company official saying, “It is good for consumers to have more choices.” “We want to make a strong appeal as a company specializing in minivehicles,” the official added. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]