Gujarat’s Hansalpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday officially opened Suzuki Motor’s hybrid battery electrode production facility and launched Maruti Suzuki’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e Vitara, for export to more than 100 countries, including important markets like Europe and Japan. This was a historic step for India’s Made in India and green mobility vision.
PM Modi highlighted the country’s goal to become a global center for EV manufacturing by calling the development a “new chapter in India’s Make in India journey.”
India’s EV Export Milestone
At the launch event, PM Modi said:
“From today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to 100 countries. Along with this, hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing is also starting today.”
This milestone positions India not only as a consumer market but also as a key exporter of electric SUVs to advanced economies.
Suzuki-Toshiba-Denso Lithium-Ion Battery Plant
To strengthen India’s EV ecosystem, Modi also inaugurated a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility set up by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso in Gujarat.
- The plant will manufacture 80% of battery components locally, reducing import dependence.
- It will support both hybrid and fully electric vehicles, fueling India’s self-reliance in EV technology.
- Established under TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Pvt Ltd (2017), the unit is a critical step in making India a global EV battery hub.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara – India’s First Global EV SUV
The e Vitara, manufactured in India, is being positioned as a global electric SUV.
Dimensions & Design
- Length: 4,275 mm
- Width: 1,800 mm
- Height: 1,640 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
- Built on Suzuki’s new 3-in-1 EV system (motor + inverter + transmission).
- Powertrain & Battery Options
- 49 kWh battery – 144 hp, 189 Nm (FWD).
- 61 kWh battery – 174 hp, 189 Nm (FWD).
- AWD variant (61 kWh) – adds a 65 hp rear motor, total output 184 hp & 300 Nm, with an estimated 500+ km range per charge.
Charging & After-Sales Network
To ensure strong customer support, Maruti Suzuki is rolling out an extensive EV infrastructure plan:
- Smart home chargers with professional installation.
- Public fast-charging stations in the top 100 cities, every 5–10 km, within 2–3 years.
- 1,500 EV-ready workshops across 1,000+ cities for after-sales service.
PM Modi’s Call for Self-Reliance
Tying the announcement with India’s festive season, Modi urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi products:
“These festivals should also be celebrations of self-reliance. Whatever we buy must be Made in India, it will be indigenous.”
Why This Matters
- India joins the global EV export league, competing with China, Korea, and Japan.
- Boosts domestic EV supply chains, reducing reliance on imports.
- Strengthens India’s case as a global EV & battery manufacturing hub under the Make in India initiative.
Key Takeaways
- Maruti Suzuki e Vitara will be exported to 100+ countries.
- Suzuki-Toshiba-Denso plant to produce lithium-ion batteries domestically.
- India takes a big leap toward EV self-reliance & green mobility leadership.
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