India took a major step forward in the electric vehicle race today as Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first global electric SUV, the e-Vitara, from the Hansalpur manufacturing facility in Gujarat. This landmark event puts India squarely on the international EV map, with plans already set for the made-in-India e-Vitara to be exported to more than 100 countries—including Japan and key European markets.
Big Push for Green Mobility and Local Manufacturing
The launch wasn’t just about rolling out a new car. PM Modi also inaugurated the next phase of India’s battery ecosystem by kicking off local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat—a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This new facility is expected to deliver a substantial boost to domestic manufacturing of both hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
On top of that, Suzuki Motor announced a whopping ₹70,000 crore investment for India over the next five to six years. The move aims to ramp up production, launch new models, and help defend its market share as the world’s third-largest car market continues its rapid growth.
e-Vitara: Tech Specs and Global Ambitions
The Hansalpur plant, now home to the commercial production of the e-Vitara, is a major hub for Suzuki’s global EV ambitions. The SUV comes with two battery options: a 49kWh pack or a larger 61kWh pack that powers a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system branded as “AllGrip-e.” With a range of over 500 kilometers on a single charge and powered by a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, the e-Vitara stands ready for both Indian roads and international highways.
Maruti Suzuki’s numbers speak volumes—boasting an annual capacity of 2.6 million units across its four Indian plants. In FY25 alone, it exported more than 3.32 lakh vehicles and sold 19.01 lakh units domestically. Now, with the e-Vitara being shipped globally—including to Japan itself—India is firmly cementing its role as Suzuki’s global manufacturing base for electric vehicles.
Today marks not just another product launch but a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward sustainable transport and self-reliance. As PM Modi put it at the launch event, “Today is a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility.” With exports set to soar and investments pouring in, India’s EV ambitions are clearly shifting into high gear.
