Maruti Alto 800 Electric Debuts with Impressive 180 KM Range – India’s First Mass-Market EV? Check Price and Hi-Tech Features Here
Maruti Suzuki has finally made a bold entry into the electric car market with the launch of the Maruti Alto 800 Electric. Known for making budget-friendly cars for Indian families, the brand now brings its trusted Alto model in an electric version. With a claimed range of 180 kilometers, this new EV could become a game-changer in the Indian automobile market, especially for those who are looking for a reliable, affordable, and low-maintenance electric car.
Design & Style
The Maruti Alto 800 Electric may remind you of the familiar Alto, but it does bring some modern touches. On the outside, the design remains compact and city-friendly, but it looks more futuristic now. The car has a slightly redesigned front fascia with sleek LED headlamps, a closed grille, and blue accents to highlight its electric nature.
From the side, the silhouette remains simple and practical, but new aero-style wheels give it a more premium touch. The rear features a new tail-lamp design, and the charging port is located where the fuel lid used to be.
Inside, the cabin feels updated but not overdone. The dashboard comes in a dual-tone finish, and there’s a digital instrument cluster. While the overall design sticks to simplicity, it’s clear that Maruti wanted to give this EV a fresher feel.
Engine & Performance
Since this is an electric car, there’s no traditional engine here. Instead, the Alto 800 Electric comes with a compact electric motor that offers around 40 bhp of power. It may not sound like much, but considering the lightweight body and city-focused design, it’s more than enough for daily use.
The instant torque of electric motors makes this car feel peppy in stop-and-go traffic. Acceleration is smooth, and the single-speed transmission ensures there are no gear shifts to worry about.
This EV is not designed for high-speed highway cruising, but for everyday urban use, the performance is more than satisfactory.
Ride & Handling
One of the best things about the new Alto 800 Electric is how easy it is to drive. Thanks to the light steering and compact dimensions, the car is perfect for crowded city roads and tight parking spots.
Maruti has worked on the suspension to handle the extra battery weight, and the car feels stable at moderate speeds. Of course, you can’t expect a sporty drive, but the ride quality is comfortable, especially for short trips.
Noise levels are low, and the absence of engine vibration gives the car a much smoother and quieter driving experience.
Better Latest Content: Quick Overview Table
Feature | Details |
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Power Source | Electric Motor |
Battery Capacity | Approx. 21.5 kWh |
Claimed Range | Up to 180 KM on full charge |
Charging Time | 6-7 hours (AC), 1 hour (DC Fast) |
Power Output | ~40 bhp |
Top Speed | ~90 km/h |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Seating Capacity | 4-5 Persons |
Infotainment System | 7-inch Touchscreen (Top Variant) |
Price (Expected) | ₹6.5 Lakh – ₹8 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
Features & Tech
Maruti has loaded the Maruti Alto 800 with several features, especially considering it’s positioned as an affordable EV. Some highlights include:
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7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (available in top variants)
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Digital instrument cluster
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Bluetooth connectivity
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USB and AUX ports
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Power windows
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Automatic climate control (in higher trims)
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Rear parking sensors
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Remote keyless entry
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Smartphone app support to check battery status and location (top trims)
Safety-wise, the car gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a strong build quality. However, features like a rearview camera and side airbags are not offered yet.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
While the term ‘mileage’ traditionally refers to petrol or diesel cars, in the case of electric vehicles, it refers to range — how far the car can go on a full charge.
The Maruti Alto 800 Electric promises a driving range of 180 kilometers under standard conditions. This makes it ideal for daily commutes, office runs, and short family trips. Charging it at home overnight using a standard AC charger will get it ready for the next day.
Maruti may also offer fast-charging options at select service points, bringing the charging time down to nearly an hour for 80% charge.
Price & Variants
Maruti is expected to launch the Alto 800 Electric in two or three variants to cater to different customer needs. The base model may come with fewer tech features but will still offer the same battery and motor.
Expected Price Range:
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Base Variant: ₹6.5 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
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Mid Variant: ₹7.2 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
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Top Variant: ₹8 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
At this price point, the Alto EV becomes one of the most affordable electric cars in India and will likely attract first-time EV buyers.
FAQs
Q1: What is the range of Maruti Alto 800 Electric?
A: The car offers a claimed range of 180 km on a full charge.
Q2: What is the charging time?
A: Using a regular AC charger, it takes 6-7 hours. With a fast charger, 80% charge can be achieved in around 1 hour.
Q3: Is it suitable for highway driving?
A: While it can handle short highway trips, the Alto EV is best suited for city driving due to its limited top speed and range.
Q4: How many people can sit in it?
A: The car can comfortably seat 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.
Q5: Is the Alto Electric available for booking?
A: Bookings are expected to begin soon at Maruti dealerships and online.