PM Modi Flags Off Maruti Suzuki’s First Electric Vehicle e-Vitara, Boosting India’s Green Mobility
Ahmedabad, August 26, 2025 – In a landmark moment for India’s automotive industry and its push towards sustainable mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first-ever global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, from the company’s Hansalpur manufacturing facility in Gujarat. This milestone is an important milestone in India’s quest to emerge as a world hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and highlights the country’s push for green energy and self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ drive.
The e-Vitara produced in India will be exported to more than 100 countries, including developed markets such as Europe and Japan, making India Suzuki Motor Corporation’s EV global manufacturing hub, the company said. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, were present at the launch, marking the massive Indo-Japanese partnership towards clean mobility.
A Milestone for Green Mobility
During the event, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the e-Vitara launch, stating, “Today is a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility.” The e-Vitara, unveiled globally in Europe in late 2024 and showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, is Maruti Suzuki’s first strategic BEV. With a FY26 production capacity of 70,000 units annually at Hansalpur, most of the production is set for exports, which further consolidates India’s role in the international EV supply chain.
Hansalpur plant has an automobile Gati Shakti multimodal cargo terminal, facilitating cost-effective exports due to direct connectivity with Mundra port. This facility enhances India’s competitive position in international markets, and the e-Vitara becomes the icon of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Enhancing India’s Battery Ecosystem
In addition to the launch of e-Vitara, PM Modi also dedicated a lithium-ion battery production plant, which is a Suzuki-Toshiba-Denso joint venture, at the Gujarat-based TDS plant. The plant will make hybrid battery electrodes, making it possible for more than 80% of the battery value to be locally produced. In a major boost to our battery ecosystem, production of hybrid battery electrodes will begin at a Gujarat plant,” Modi announced, emphasizing the decision’s contribution to India’s clean energy innovation.
This development aligns with Maruti Suzuki’s broader strategy to address consumer concerns about EVs, such as range anxiety and high upfront costs. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki, noted that India’s low electricity costs—around ₹7-8 per kilowatt, one-third of Japan’s—make EVs an economical choice for consumers. The company is also exploring battery-as-a-service (BaaS) models and plans to establish an EV charging network in India’s top 100 cities to eliminate customer pain points.
Suzuki’s ₹70,000 Crore Investment in India
Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corporation, which holds a majority stake in Maruti Suzuki, announced a massive ₹70,000 crore investment in India over the next five to six years. This investment will focus on increasing production, launching new EV models, and defending Maruti Suzuki’s market share in the world’s third-largest car market. India remains Suzuki’s biggest market by sales and revenue, with Maruti Suzuki exporting over 3.32 lakh vehicles and selling 19.01 lakh units domestically in FY25.
Maruti Suzuki aims to introduce six BEVs by FY31, when it expects EVs to contribute 15-20% of its volumes. Launching the e-Vitara is an important milestone in this strategy, gearing it to compete in the fast-expanding EV space despite having entered relatively late.
India’s Emergence as a Global EV Hub
The e-Vitara launch and the accompanying battery manufacturing facility underscore India’s emergence as a global leader in green mobility. The government’s focus on domestic manufacturing and clean energy innovation aligns with PM Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. As Modi noted, India’s automobile exports have grown from ₹50,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.2 lakh crore last year, reflecting the sector’s growing global footprint.
The e-Vitara, with its sleek design and advanced technology, is poised to make a mark in international markets, further solidifying India’s position in the global EV ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to building a robust EV charging infrastructure and innovative solutions like BaaS will likely accelerate EV adoption in India, addressing key consumer concerns and paving the way for a sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
The flag-off of the e-Vitara is not only a breakthrough for Maruti Suzuki but a turning point for India’s automotive sector. With robust government support, investment plans, and an emphasis on innovation, India is rapidly moving towards becoming an electric vehicle manufacturing global powerhouse. With Maruti Suzuki preparing to launch the e-Vitara in the Indian market later this year, the country makes a big leap towards a greener, more sustainable future.
FAQ: PM Modi Flags Off Maruti Suzuki’s First Electric Vehicle e-Vitara
1. What is the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara?
The e-Vitara is Maruti Suzuki’s first-ever global battery electric vehicle (BEV), developed as part of India’s push for green mobility.
2. Who flagged off the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the e-Vitara at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat.
3. When was the e-Vitara officially launched in India?
The e-Vitara was flagged off on August 26, 2025.
4. Where is the e-Vitara manufactured?
It is manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur manufacturing facility in Gujarat.
5. What is the significance of the e-Vitara launch?
It marks India’s entry into the global EV market, highlighting self-reliance, clean energy, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
6. Will the e-Vitara be available in India immediately?
Yes, it will be launched in the Indian market later this year after initial exports.
7. Which countries will import the e-Vitara from India?
The e-Vitara will be exported to 100+ countries, including Japan and European markets.
8. What is the production capacity of e-Vitara at Hansalpur?
The Hansalpur plant will produce 70,000 units annually by FY26.
9. What is special about the Hansalpur plant?
It has a Gati Shakti multimodal cargo terminal with direct connectivity to Mundra port, lowering export costs.
10. What is the role of the Suzuki-Toshiba-Denso battery plant in Gujarat?
It will manufacture lithium-ion battery electrodes, ensuring 80% of the battery value is produced in India.
11. Why is this battery plant important?
It strengthens India’s EV battery ecosystem and reduces dependency on imports.
12. How much has Suzuki Motor Corporation invested in India for EVs?
Suzuki has committed ₹70,000 crore over 5-6 years for EV production, R&D, and infrastructure.
13. How many BEVs does Maruti Suzuki plan to launch by 2031?
Maruti Suzuki will launch six BEVs by FY31, with EVs contributing 15–20% of sales volumes.
14. What is the global significance of the e-Vitara?
India will become Suzuki’s global EV hub, exporting to developed markets like Europe.
15. How does India benefit from this EV launch?
It boosts India’s green mobility mission, exports, local manufacturing, and clean energy adoption.
16. What is the estimated cost of electricity for EV charging in India?
Electricity in India costs around ₹7–8 per unit, making EVs more economical than in Japan.
17. Is Maruti Suzuki planning an EV charging network in India?
Yes, Maruti Suzuki will build an EV charging network across the top 100 cities in India.
18. What is Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model?
It’s a subscription-based service where EV owners can swap or lease batteries, reducing upfront costs.
19. What is PM Modi’s vision behind this launch?
The launch aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and India’s green energy transition.
20. What role does Gujarat play in India’s EV ecosystem?
Gujarat is becoming a hub for EV manufacturing and battery production.
21. How does this launch strengthen Indo-Japanese relations?
It highlights the India-Japan partnership in clean mobility and EV technology.
22. Who else attended the e-Vitara flag-off ceremony?
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono.
23. How many vehicles did Maruti Suzuki sell in FY25?
Maruti Suzuki sold 19.01 lakh units domestically and exported 3.32 lakh vehicles.
24. How does India’s automobile export market look today?
India’s automobile exports grew from ₹50,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.2 lakh crore in 2024.
25. What is the expected contribution of EVs to Maruti Suzuki’s sales by FY31?
EVs will account for 15–20% of sales volumes.
26. Will e-Vitara compete with other EV brands in India?
Yes, it will compete with Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, and MG Motors EVs.
27. What makes the e-Vitara cost-effective?
Local production, lower electricity costs, and domestic battery manufacturing reduce costs.
28. Is the e-Vitara already available globally?
Yes, it was unveiled in Europe in 2024 and showcased at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.
29. Will the e-Vitara qualify for government EV subsidies?
Yes, it will likely benefit from FAME-II incentives and state EV subsidies.
30. What charging options will be available for e-Vitara?
It will support fast charging and home charging solutions.
31. What is the battery technology used in e-Vitara?
It uses lithium-ion battery electrodes with local manufacturing support.
32. How does the e-Vitara address range anxiety?
Maruti Suzuki plans to offer long-range battery options and a wide charging network.
33. Is Maruti Suzuki late to the EV market?
Yes, compared to Tata and MG, but the e-Vitara is a strategic global BEV launch.
34. What is the difference between e-Vitara and hybrid cars from Maruti?
The e-Vitara is a full battery electric vehicle, unlike hybrids that combine fuel + electric.
35. Will Maruti Suzuki export batteries too?
Yes, with local production of electrodes, exports are likely to follow.
36. What is the design philosophy of the e-Vitara?
It combines sleek SUV design with advanced EV technology.
37. Will the e-Vitara have advanced connectivity features?
Yes, it is expected to include connected car technology and smart infotainment systems.
38. How does India’s EV electricity cost compare globally?
It is one-third of Japan’s cost, making Indian EVs more affordable.
39. How will the e-Vitara impact employment in India?
It will generate jobs in EV production, battery manufacturing, and charging infra.
40. How will the Hansalpur cargo terminal help EV exports?
It provides direct port connectivity, reducing logistics cost and time.
41. What safety features will the e-Vitara include?
It is expected to have multiple airbags, ADAS, and global crash safety standards.
42. When will Indian customers get delivery of e-Vitara?
Bookings are likely to open later this year, with deliveries in late 2025 or early 2026.
43. What is Suzuki’s long-term EV strategy in India?
To make India a global EV hub and expand BEVs across all major segments.
44. Will Maruti Suzuki launch smaller EVs too?
Yes, compact EVs are part of its future roadmap to cater to Indian buyers.
45. What is PM Modi’s broader EV mission?
To make India a leader in EV adoption, battery manufacturing, and green exports.
46. How does this tie into India’s renewable energy targets?
It complements India’s net-zero by 2070 and renewable energy expansion goals.
47. Is the e-Vitara a global SUV?
Yes, it is designed for both Indian and international markets.
48. What will be the expected price range of e-Vitara in India?
The price is expected around ₹20–25 lakh, competing with Tata and MG EVs.
49. How does Suzuki plan to protect its market share in India?
By investing heavily in EVs, new models, and charging infrastructure.
50. Why is the e-Vitara considered a turning point for India’s automotive sector?
Because it combines local manufacturing, exports, green mobility, and global EV leadership in one milestone.
