Vayve Mobility has introduced Vayve Eva, India's inaugural solar energy-powered electric vehicle, at the Auto Expo 2025 during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. Priced starting at ₹3.25 lakh and featuring a battery-as-a-subscription (BaaS) model, Vayve Eva attracted significant attention among the prominent launches at the event by leading automotive figures. An intriguing aspect that may not be widely recognized is Vayve Eva's notable association with Maruti Suzuki.

Vayve Eva's Maruti Suzuki connection

Vayve Mobility, an electric vehicle startup based in Pune, has enlisted IV Rao, who was instrumental in Maruti Suzuki’s formidable research and development division for 36 years. During his tenure at Maruti Suzuki, Rao made significant contributions, including the development of the economical five-seater Van Eeco and the highly successful MPV, Ertiga. He also participated in the development of the platform that supported the Wagon R, Swift, and Dzire models. Currently, Rao serves as a mentor in Vayve Mobility's R&D efforts, playing a vital role in the Vayve Eva project.

In an interview with HT Auto, Rao described the Vayve Eva as "a really interesting car," highlighting its design, features, and onboard technology. Constructed on a monocoque chassis, the Vayve Eva offers three battery pack options—9 kWh, 12.6 kWh, and 18 kWh—providing a range of 125 to 250 kilometers on a full charge, depending on the variant chosen: Nova, Stella, or Vega. The electric vehicle is equipped with fast charging capabilities, over-the-air (OTA) updates, a vehicle diagnostics system, and smartphone connectivity, making it a practical choice for urban commuting.

Rao articulated the underlying purpose of the project, stating that Vayve Eva has been specifically crafted to address the commuting needs of urban consumers. While the actual range of the vehicle in real-world conditions remains to be evaluated, it has the potential to serve as a secondary vehicle for city dwellers during their daily travels. He further noted that Eva represents a model that bridges the gap between two-wheelers and traditional passenger vehicles. "I am confident that with its pricing and overall value proposition, Vayve Eva could revolutionize the Indian automotive market," remarked the technocrat.

Cheap tag looms large

A prevalent trend among Indian consumers is their preference for affordable options, although they are often averse to products being labeled as inexpensive. This sentiment contributed to the Tata Nano's inability to secure a strong foothold in the Indian passenger vehicle sector, despite its practicality and solid engineering as a rear-wheel drive car.

Now, a decade later, with a price tag of ₹3.25 lakh (ex-showroom), the Vayve Eva emerges as the most affordable car in India. Rao commented that consumer preferences have undergone considerable transformation over the past ten years. Additionally, the features and technology incorporated in this electric vehicle position it as a likely success. He asserts that the unique selling proposition of this car lies in its practicality and low operating costs. Measuring 2,950 mm in length, the Eva is smaller than the Tata Nano yet offers more features and advanced technologies. Furthermore, it boasts an operating cost of ₹0.50 per kilometer, enhancing its appeal.

Read Also: Electric Dreams at Auto Expo 2025: VinFast's Evo S and Theon S Steal the Show

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!