Suzuki launches e‑Sky electric kei car in Japan with subsidised price of ₹9.5 lakh

Suzuki has launched its first electric passenger kei car, the e‑Sky, in Japan with a government‑subsidised price of JPY 1.55 million (≈₹9.5 lakh). ## Launch Details The e‑Sky rides on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT‑e platform that houses a 26 kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate battery, an electric motor, inverter and reduction gear. The LFP pack gives the car a WLTC‑tested range of 310 km and a class‑leading energy use of 97 Wh per km. ## Pricing and Competition Two trims are offered: the base A trim at JPY 2.12 million and the higher‑spec X trim at JPY 2.79 million. After applying the JPY 568,000 (≈₹3.48 lakh) CEV subsidy, the base model costs JPY 1.55 million, undercutting rival BYD’s Racco, which starts at JPY 2.14 million and offers a 210 km range. The Racco’s top variants cost up to JPY 2.49 million and claim a 320 km range. ## Future Plans Suzuki will stock the e‑Sky in Japanese showrooms from November 16 and aims to sell about 1,000 units each month. The company eyes exports to the UK and Europe by 2027. While no Indian launch date is set, a larger‑bodied version based on the eWX concept could appear, likely with a 30‑35 kWh battery and a price under ₹10 lakh, competing with the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV. ## Context Kei‑car rules in Japan limit size and battery to keep costs low, which is why the e‑Sky is compact at 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide. A bigger Indian version would relax these limits, allowing a larger battery and more interior space, fitting the market’s demand for affordable city EVs.