Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today marked two historic milestones in India’s automotive and clean energy journey—the start of production of Maruti Suzuki’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, and the launch of Suzuki’s first lithium-ion battery cell and electrode manufacturing facility in India for strong hybrid electric vehicles.
The ceremony, held at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG), was attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel, H.E. Mr Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Mr R.C. Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki, and Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki, along with senior dignitaries and business partners.
A Paradigm Shift in Indian EV Manufacturing
With the e-VITARA, Maruti Suzuki becomes the first Indian carmaker to mass-produce and export an electric vehicle to over 100 global markets, including Europe and Japan. Manufactured exclusively at SMG’s Gujarat plant, the first export batch will be shipped this month from Pipavav Port to regions such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, and Italy.
Unlike many EVs derived from internal combustion engine designs, the e-VITARA is built on a dedicated EV platform, ensuring uncompromised performance, durability, and efficiency. It was earlier showcased at the Milan Auto Show and Bharat Mobility Global Expo.
India’s First Lithium-Ion Cell & Electrode Manufacturing
In another significant breakthrough, Maruti Suzuki’s fellow subsidiary, TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), has commenced localised production of lithium-ion battery cells and electrodes, making India self-reliant in hybrid EV battery technology. These advanced batteries will power models like the Grand Vitara and are a key step towards boosting hybrid EV adoption in India.
Currently producing 18 million cells annually, TDSG has supplied battery packs for over one million vehicles since its inception in 2021. The company is now planning to expand capacity by an additional 12 million cells per year.
Advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Indo-Japan Partnership
Speaking at the event, Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said:
“We are deeply honoured by the Prime Minister’s presence at this historic moment. His vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat has inspired Suzuki to invest in India. These achievements reflect the enduring Indo-Japanese partnership and our shared commitment to a carbon-neutral future.”
Suzuki Group has already invested over INR 1,00,000 crore in India, creating more than 11 lakh direct jobs in the value chain. These new milestones further strengthen India’s localisation in EV and hybrid technology, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable mobility and energy independence.
With the launch of the e-VITARA and localised battery cell manufacturing, Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation are setting new benchmarks for India’s auto sector, positioning the country as a global hub for sustainable mobility solutions.