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The SUV is no longer just a utilitarian off-roader whose sole purpose is to transport goods and other essentials over hostile terrain. Over time, these vehicles have evolved and have started playing other roles as well, primarily as people carriers in urban and suburban areas; they are also used to make a statement of social standing in some regions/markets.

The United States and China will continue to account for the major share of SUV sales; as a result, manufacturers must focus on designing and producing vehicles for these 2 markets. Indian SUV manufacturers have started offering vast upgrades and facelifts to their best-selling models, banking on the growth of the country’s SUV market.

Owing to the large space available in SUVs, the conversion of SUVs from IC engine-powered vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is a possibility that can be explored. Skateboard platforms offer an excellent foundation to build on. Traditional SUVs account for a large carbon footprint; therefore, the need for a fully electric SUV is imminent. As a result, the need for battery R&D will be high and the pressure on battery supply chains will increase.