The Maruti Omni is back. And this time, it’s electric.
Yes, the van that once defined Indian middle-class travel is making a grand return in a brand-new avatar. Maruti Suzuki has officially unveiled the Omni Electric, and it has already created a wave of nostalgia mixed with excitement.
For many Indians, the Omni wasn’t just a vehicle. It was a part of life. School drops, family picnics, doctor visits, and road trips—all had one thing in common: the trusty old Omni. Its compact design, reliable engine, and unbeatable practicality made it a favorite across the country.
Now, Maruti wants to take that same charm and package it for the electric future.
Omni’s Legacy in India
Before we get into what the new Omni Electric brings to the table, let’s take a moment to appreciate what the original meant.
Launched in 1984, the Maruti Omni was simple, boxy, and built to move people. It was affordable, easy to maintain, and versatile. Families loved it. Businesses trusted it. It was a van for all.
You could see it as an ambulance, a cargo van, a school van, or a family vehicle. It was everywhere.
It’s been a few years since it was discontinued. But it never really left the Indian imagination. And now, Maruti is cashing in on that emotional connection with a modern twist.
Fresh Design, Same Soul
The new Omni Electric doesn’t try to reinvent its shape completely. It keeps that iconic van-style silhouette. But there are a lot of modern touches that make it look fresh.
- Sleek LED headlamps
- Redesigned grille area (though there’s no actual grille since it’s electric)
- Flush bumper with chrome or black accents
- Squared-off proportions remain, but panels are more refined
It still has sliding rear doors and that familiar upright stance. But it looks more polished and futuristic now.
Compact Yet Spacious
One of Omni’s strengths was how much space it offered in a small footprint. Maruti has retained that trait in the electric version.
It’s still compact enough for tight city streets but packs in enough room for six to eight passengers. Or you can remove the rear seats and use it as a cargo carrier.
This flexibility is what makes it ideal for Indian households and small businesses alike.
Inside the New Cabin
The interior is where the biggest change is felt. The old Omni was basic. The new Omni Electric? Much more refined.
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Touchscreen infotainment system (in top variants)
- Power windows
- Dual-tone dashboard
- Optional air-conditioning
- USB charging ports
- Improved seat padding and safety features
You can tell Maruti has taken cues from modern car cabins but kept things simple and practical. This isn’t a luxury EV. It’s a people’s EV.
Electric Motor and Battery Setup
Maruti has partnered with Suzuki’s EV division in Japan to make sure the Omni Electric performs well in Indian conditions.
Here’s what we know so far:
- 48V or 72V lithium-ion battery pack
- Range of 180 to 220 km per charge
- Top speed capped at around 80 km/h
- Rear-wheel-drive setup
- Regenerative braking support
- Fast charging option (0-80% in under 1 hour with DC fast charger)
This setup is ideal for city use, short commutes, and light cargo movement. The motor offers smooth pickup, low noise, and fewer moving parts—translating to lower maintenance.
Affordability Still a Priority
Maruti knows that for Omni to succeed again, it has to be affordable. That’s been one of its core strengths.
Sources suggest the base model of Omni Electric could be priced under ₹8 lakh (ex-showroom). Higher trims with AC, touchscreen, and extra range may go up to ₹10-11 lakh.
If these numbers hold true, the Omni Electric could become India’s most budget-friendly electric MPV.
Safety Finally Gets Attention
Safety was never Omni’s strongest point in the past. The old version lacked basic features. This time, Maruti is playing it smart.
Expect the following:
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Reinforced side beams
- High-speed alert system
It may not get a 5-star rating, but the new Omni will at least meet Bharat NCAP’s minimum safety norms.
Variants and Custom Use
Maruti could also launch multiple versions of the Omni Electric. These might include:
- Family version (7-seater)
- Cargo version (2-seater with flatbed)
- Ambulance version (custom-fitted)
- School van edition (with safety equipment and seating mods)
This wide usage potential gives the Omni Electric a serious edge in the commercial EV market.
Charging and Running Cost
Charging the Omni Electric at home will take 5-6 hours with a regular socket. A 3.3 kW wall box charger will reduce that time.
The cost of running is expected to be as low as ₹1-1.5 per km, which is far cheaper than petrol or CNG. For commercial operators and daily drivers, that’s a huge saving.
Is India Ready for an Electric Omni?
Absolutely. The timing couldn’t be better. EV infrastructure is growing. Battery tech is improving. And buyers are looking for practical, affordable electric vehicles.
The Omni Electric brings emotion and practicality together. It revives a legendary name with clean energy and modern features.
It’s not just another EV. It’s a reminder of the past, ready to move into the future. And that makes it special.