Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday flagged off the first Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara produced in India, marking a major milestone in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) journey. The ceremony was held at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat, which is set to become the company’s hub for electric vehicle production and exports.
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The launch of the e-Vitara also coincides with another important project at the facility – the inauguration of India’s first hybrid battery electrode manufacturing plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki (TDSG). Together, these two initiatives highlight India’s growing emphasis on green mobility, self-reliance, and global competitiveness in the automotive sector.
PM Modi’s Vision for Self-Reliant India in EVs
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Modi said the flag-off of the e-Vitara represented “a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance.” He highlighted that India was no longer just a consumer of advanced automotive technologies but had also become a global exporter of electric cars.
The first batch of the e-Vitara will be exported to the United Kingdom (UK), followed by exports to nearly 100 countries worldwide, positioning India as a significant player in the international EV market.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, were also present at the event, underscoring the close collaboration between India and Japan in the automotive sector.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara – A Global Electric SUV from India
The Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara was first unveiled internationally in Europe in late 2024 and later showcased in India during the Bharat Mobility Show 2025. Built on the 40PL dedicated EV platform, co-developed with Toyota, the SUV will also have a Toyota counterpart, branded as the Urban Cruiser EV.
Key Specifications:
- Battery Options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh packs.
- Variants: The larger 61 kWh version will feature a dual-motor AllGrip-e AWD system, catering to premium EV buyers.
- Range & Performance: While official India-specific range figures are awaited, industry insiders suggest the SUV could offer 400–500 km per charge, depending on the variant.
- Expected Price: Around ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model.
The e-Vitara is designed to meet both Indian road conditions and international standards, enabling Maruti Suzuki to cater to a wide consumer base.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Competition in the EV SUV Market
Once launched, the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara will compete directly with some of the most talked-about EVs in the Indian market:
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- Mahindra BE6
- Hyundai Creta Electric
- MG ZS EV
- Tata Harrier EV (upcoming)
With Maruti Suzuki’s aggressive pricing strategy and its strong dealership network, analysts expect the e-Vitara to significantly disrupt the EV SUV space.
Hansalpur Plant – Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Export Hub
The Hansalpur plant in Gujarat is being positioned as Maruti Suzuki’s flagship EV production hub. The company plans to roll out thousands of e-Vitara units annually, not just for India but for global markets across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
This facility will also support localization of EV technology, helping reduce costs and making electric vehicles more affordable for Indian consumers.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Hybrid Battery Electrode Plant – A Step Towards Localizing EV Supply Chains
In addition to the e-Vitara production, PM Modi will also inaugurate India’s first hybrid battery electrode manufacturing plant at Hansalpur, set up under the TDS Li-Ion Battery Gujarat (TDSG) venture.
This joint initiative between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki aims to manufacture Li-ion battery cells and electrodes used in strong hybrid vehicles. By producing critical components locally, India will reduce dependency on imports, strengthen its EV ecosystem, and attract further global investment.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Industry Impact – Boost to Make in India and Green Mobility
Experts believe the e-Vitara’s launch and India’s entry into EV exports will have a multi-fold impact:
- Boost to Make in India: Reinforces India’s role as a global automotive manufacturing hub.
- EV Ecosystem Development: Encourages more domestic and foreign players to invest in EV production.
- Green Transition: Supports India’s climate goals by promoting clean energy transport.
- Consumer Confidence: With Maruti Suzuki entering the EV market, mainstream buyers may be more willing to adopt electric cars.
What’s Next for Maruti Suzuki?
Maruti Suzuki has ambitious plans for the electric vehicle space in India. After the e-Vitara, the company is expected to launch more EVs across different segments, including compact SUVs and hatchbacks, by 2026.
Industry insiders suggest that Maruti Suzuki could also leverage Toyota’s EV platforms for shared product development, reducing costs and accelerating time-to-market.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Conclusion – A Landmark Moment for India’s EV Industry
The rollout of the first made-in-India Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara is more than just a new car launch. It is a statement of intent from India to the global automotive industry. With exports to over 100 countries, localized battery production, and government backing, India is firmly on track to become a global leader in electric mobility.
As PM Modi emphasized, this milestone strengthens India’s path toward self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth, while also offering Indian consumers a taste of the future of mobility.
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute automotive or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to verify specifications and consult experts before making purchase or investment decisions.
