Suzuki VanVan Is Back — And It’s Electric!
From toothbrushes to 200 mph superbikes, it seems like everything these days needs a battery and a plug. Suzuki is now embracing the electric revolution by bringing back the Suzuki VanVan, one of its most quirky classics.
The Suzuki e-VanVan is a new concept that pays homage to one of the most distinctive small motorcycles ever produced. This bike somehow combines the innovation of 2025 with the nostalgia of 1972. You’re in the right place if that sounds unclear.
A Nostalgic Blast from the 1970s
Are you familiar with the original Suzuki VanVan? If so, you most likely have an old picture of yourself wearing bell bottoms next to it. Known for its enormous “balloon” tires and incredibly soft two-person seat that felt like a tiny sofa, the original VanVan was a silly little minibike from the 1970s.
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With a two-stroke engine that sounded (and smelled) like your neighbor’s leaf blower, it was comparable to the Honda Monkey’s less well-known cousin.
More than half a century later, Suzuki is reviving that same spirit of play, but with an electric twist.
The 2025 Suzuki e-VanVan Concept
Suzuki will present the e-VanVan, a concept electric motorcycle that aims to recreate the carefree fun of the original, at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.
Even though the name “e-VanVan” may not be particularly inventive, it makes you smile just by looking at it. Like something from The Jetsons, it’s charming, small, and retro.
Focusing on Fun, Not Speed
Large Japanese motorcycle manufacturers have been hesitant to embrace electric bikes completely. Many riders are still dubious about electric powertrains’ ability to deliver high-speed, long-range performance.
However, Suzuki’s strategy is a welcome departure. The Suzuki e-VanVan prioritizes enjoyment and simplicity over setting speed records. It’s designed for quick rides, like the ones where you zip to the coffee shop, draw attention, and make people smile.
Consider it Suzuki’s version of the BMW CE-02 or Honda Grom, but with less attitude and more charm.
Design: Retro-Futurism Done Right
Suzuki did a fantastic job with the design. The e-VanVan strikes the ideal balance between futuristic design and vintage aesthetics. It appears friendly, approachable, and enjoyable — the type of electric motorcycle that entices you to ride for its own sake.
The e-VanVan adds contemporary clean lines and LED accents while maintaining the relaxed beach cruiser vibe of the 1972 original with its chunky tires, low stance, and simple frame.
Under the Seat: What Powers the e-VanVan?
This is where Suzuki gets mysterious. Since the e-VanVan is still a concept, the company hasn’t revealed key performance specs. What we do know:
The classic air-cooled gas engine has been replaced by a battery pack.
Power is delivered through an electric motor mounted on the swingarm.
Drive is transmitted via a belt, meaning no messy chain grease or engine noise — just a soft electric whirr.
According to Suzuki, the e-VanVan’s performance is “equivalent to a 125cc combustion engine,” which probably translates to 10–15 horsepower. Although speed isn’t its primary purpose, it’s not built for it. This is not a highway missile; it’s a city cruiser.
Specs, Range, and Reality Check
Suzuki hasn’t shared details about battery size, range, top speed, or charging time — all the stuff enthusiasts really want to know. But here’s what we do know:
Length: 71.3 inches
Width: 32.5 inches
Height: 41.3 inches
Those dimensions are nearly identical to the original 1972 VanVan 90 — a clear nod to its roots. Suzuki seems to have taken the original blueprints, swapped the gas tank for a battery, and modernized the details.
Will the Suzuki e-VanVan Go Into Production?
The important question is that. Will Suzuki actually sell the e-VanVan, or is it just a fun car show idea?
When you look closely at the prototype, you can see features like turn signals, mirrors, and a license plate bracket that clearly indicate Suzuki is getting it ready for the real world.
The Suzuki e-VanVan might quickly become a cult favorite among both urban riders and die-hard enthusiasts if the price is fair and the range is useful.
This new electric version of the Suzuki VanVan continues the brand’s tradition of carefree fun. It’s about bringing joy, simplicity, and nostalgia into the electric age, not about setting speed records.
The e-VanVan might be among the most intriguing small electric motorcycles of 2025 if Suzuki can get the details just right.
Sign me up.
Ev is taking over