Suzuki’s first electric SUV could be based on a Toyota

Japanese small-car specialist Suzuki has reaffirmed its commitment to launching its first high-volume electric car by 2025, which could share its key ingredients with a future Toyota electric small SUV.

While Suzuki has already announced the timeline for its move into electric vehicles (EVs), the company has now committed to a ¥150 billion ($AU1.6B) investment into an EV manufacturing facility in India within three years.

Details of Suzuki’s first EV are yet to be announced, however the company previewed a future model in the form of a battery-powered concept in early 2020, called the Futuro-E – which shares at least some resemblance to a recent Toyota concept, which could be badged BZ3X in production.

Suzuki enjoys a close working relationship with Toyota, with the two companies sharing a number of models in overseas markets such as the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid-based Suzuki Across and Toyota Corolla wagon-based Suzuki Swace in Europe.

The two companies also share some hybrid powertrain technology on certain international models.

Toyota has also demonstrated its willingness to share electric vehicle platforms. In October 2021, Toyota unveiled its first dedicated EV, the BZ4X, which will also be sold as the Subaru Solterra.

In April 2021, Toyota named BYD, Daihatsu, Subaru, and Suzuki as "partners for developing Toyota BZ models".

While some overseas reports have suggested Suzuki will adopt a version of the Toyota BZ4X/Subaru Solterra twins, Suzuki’s Futuro-E concept’s smaller dimensions, sloping roofline, and distinctive C-shaped LED headlight theme appear to be similar to a future Toyota 'BZ3X'.

Given Suzuki’s extensive expertise with small cars and SUVs, it’s possible its first electric vehicle could be based on the small Toyota concept above, which is about the same size as the C-HR.