Suzuki to develop new EV for Toyota

Suzuki and Toyota are strengthening their collaboration to include electric vehicles (EVs).

A new electric SUV will be built by Suzuki and supplied to Toyota from early next year.

It is likely to be based on the Suzuki EVX concept (pictured), which was unveiled in 2023.

Since 2016, the two Japanese automotive brands have engaged in a wide-ranging collaboration including the production and mutual supply of vehicles.

In the UK, the most notable examples of this collaboration are the Suzuki Swace and Across models which are re-badged Toyotas.

The new EV uses a platform and powertrain jointly developed by Suzuki, Toyota and Daihatsu. It was designed exclusively as an EV.

Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki said: “Suzuki will supply our first BEV to Toyota globally. I am grateful that the collaboration between the two companies has further deepened in this way. While continuing to be competitors, we will deepen our collaborations towards solving social issues, including the realisation of a carbon-neutral society through a multi-pathway approach.”

Details about the new model are scarce but it's said to be "a nimble SUV with the sharp driving characteristics of a BEV" and to offer an "ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin".

The model will be available with an all-wheel drive system when it goes on sale.

Suzuki will produce the new EV at its plant in India. 

Toyota president Koji Sato added: “By leveraging the BEV unit and platform that we jointly developed, we will take a new step in our collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles. This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide. We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”