Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated Suzuki Motor Plant’s new hybrid battery electrode unit in Hansalpur, Gujarat, and flagged off the export of Maruti Suzuki’s first global battery electric SUV, the e Vitara, to over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan.
Calling it a “new chapter” in the Make in India journey, Modi said the plant strengthens India’s self-reliance in green mobility. Alongside the vehicle launch, Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso also opened a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility to localize over 80% of components, cutting imports and boosting exports.
India is now Suzuki’s global hub for electric vehicles, marking a major milestone for the EV industry. The e Vitara comes in two battery packs: a 49kWh version with 144hp and a 61kWh version with 174hp. An AWD model adds a rear motor for 184hp and a 500km driving range per charge.
Maruti Suzuki will support customers with home chargers, fast-charging points in 100 cities, and 1,500 EV-ready workshops nationwide.
PM Modi urged citizens to choose swadeshi products this festive season, reinforcing the vision of a self-reliant India. With the e Vitara launch, India’s electric vehicle future gains strong global recognition.
