The Suzuki Jimny is going electric, but don’t expect it in North America

• The Suzuki Jimny EV won’t come to North America.

• The little SUV is still part of the kei car category in Japan.

• The Jimny was offered as the Samurai in the 80s and 90s in North America.

Like many other automotive brands, Suzuki is looking to increase its electric footprint. Of course, you’re probably wondering why we’re talking about a car division that left North America over a decade ago, and that’s perfectly normal.

But since the neighbor’s lawn is always greener, fans of imported vehicles – or those marketed outside of the continent, for example – are particularly interested in a small 4×4 that was already part of the Japanese brand’s lineup several years ago. Remember the Suzuki Samurai? The true 4×4 – it was based on a latter frame and still is nowadays – made many North American drivers happy, but it was replaced by some bigger models in the 90s.

Fortunately, the little 4×4 still exists under its international name. In fact, elsewhere in the world, the tiny SUV is known as the Suzuki Jimny. Since its redesign a few seasons ago, the little off-roader has been quite successful all over the world, but unfortunately, North American motorists can’t expect to see the utility model again anytime soon.

This is especially disappointing because the Suzuki Jimny is going electric by 2030… for the European market it appears according to a presentation by the manufacturer. What’s more, this nice 4×4, which by the way belongs to the kei category in Japan, is even available in a five-door version, thanks to the contribution of the Suzuki Maturi division in India. An EV 5-door Suzuki Jimny could work in North America.

Unfortunately, the chances of an electric Suzuki Jimny being offered here are nil. The automaker left our market more than a decade ago, and it would be very surprising if it tried to comeback in a market saturated by larger and heavier utility vehicles.

Perhaps one day the average motorist will realize the benefits of a small, light, and agile SUV like the Jimny, whether it’s electric or gas powered. In fact, the older among us probably remember its ancestor, the Samurai, the vehicle that still has a mini cult among off-road enthusiasts.