Suzuki Burgman Electric scooter spied in India [Update]

Update: RushLane reader Nitin Pahwa has shared a new spy picture of the Suzuki Burgman Electric (name TBC). The electric variant of the Suzuki Burgman Street has a much shorter rear fender and features a tyre hugger.

New Suzuki Burgman Electric scooter spy shot
The Burgman Electric is could be Suzuki’s biggest launch in India this year. Image Source: rushlane.com

Last month, rushlane.com reader Abhishek Mann had shared a new spy video and pictures of the Suzuki Burgman electric. As previously reported, the Suzuki Burgman electric carries the design of the petrol model, but the suspension system, rear wheel, and the colour scheme are visibly different.

Video Source: youtube.com/RushLane

In November 2020, the Suzuki Burgman electric scooter spotted on test by our reader Amit on the NH8, near Mahipalpur, Haryana. Our exclusive video showed two Suzuki Burgman prototypes powered by an electric powertrain. This was the first instance of a Suzuki Burgman Electric testing in India with clear visuals.

While we have known since 2018 of Suzuki developing an electric scooter for the market, it wasn’t reported to be a variant of the Burgman. A Suzuki Burgman Electric could well be the first Suzuki electric scooter for India.

The electric scooter prototypes in the spy media lack the exhaust system of the standard Suzuki Burgman Street. We are led to believe that it could be a hub-mounted motor propelling the commuter as the suspension system has been redesigned with a hydraulic shock absorber coming in place. The tyre hugger is also new to offer better protection and the reflector has been moved from below to above the registration plate.

The body features unique white/blue two-tone colour scheme. The standard Suzuki Burgman Street is not available in dual-tone colours. Also note the grey sleeve around the footboard that offers more visual distinction.

The Suzuki Burgman Electric could feature an improved instrument console with Bluetooth and maybe even 4G LTE that allow pairing a smartphone and using connected vehicle functions. The ‘Suzuki Ride Connect’ has rolled out on the Burgman last month offering features like turn by turn navigation, missed call alert, Call, SMS & Whatsapp alert, Caller ID alert and phone battery level display. In addition to it, connected vehicle functions for the electric scooter could include charge display, charging status, ride statistics, etc.

Suzuki Burgman EV scooter
The visual changes on the Suzuki Burgman Electric include a dual-tone body colour, complete rear tire hugger, grey sleeve on the footboard and a rear hydraulic shock absorber. The lack of an exhaust system is the giveaway of the electric scooter.

EVW’s Take: Launching a Suzuki Burgman Electric as the first Suzuki electric scooter makes good sense. As the first model would be expensive, Suzuki would need a donor that has convincing looks, presence and features to justify the premium price. The Burgman has been successful in our market and has established a premium image among Indian customers. Moreover, the popularity of maxi-scooters is increasing in the country, and the Burgman checks that box, too.

The first Suzuki electric scooter would go against premium models like Bajaj Auto’s Chetak, the Ather 450X and the TVS iQube. Suzuki could offer it with a motor generating between 4-6 kW of power and a Lithium-ion battery pack with an energy storage capacity of 3-4 kWh. The company could be targeting a range of around 80 km in the real world without compromising performance. Expect the ex-showroom price of this new long-range electric scooter to be INR 1-1.2 lakh.

India’s first electric maxi scooter would be the Okinawa Cruiser that is set to come out in the first half of 2021, and it could be the sole direct rival of the Suzuki Burgman electric.

Suzuki Electric Scooter FAQs

What is the Suzuki Burgman Electric launch date?

Suzuki could launch its first electric scooter in India in the second half of the year starting with limited cities.

What will be the Suzuki Burgman Electric price?

Suzuki could price the electric scooter between INR 1.1-1.2 lakh (ex-showroom)

Which electric scooters will compete with the Suzuki Burgman Electric?

The Burgman Electric could compete with Bajaj Chetak, Ather 450 Plus, TVS iQube & Ola Electric Scooter.