India’s EV Revolution: PM Modi Inaugurates Maruti Suzuki’s e-Vitara and Battery Electrode Plant in Gujarat

India took a significant leap forward in the global electric vehicle (EV) race as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s first mass-produced electric SUV, the e-Vitara, at the company’s Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. This launch is not just another product rollout—it marks the beginning of India’s journey as a global exporter of domestically manufactured EVs. With the e-Vitara set to be shipped to over 100 international markets, including Japan and Europe, the country is positioning itself as a serious contender in sustainable mobility.

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Strengthening the EV Ecosystem with Battery Production

Alongside the vehicle launch, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing hybrid battery electrodes. This plant, operated by TDS Lithium-Ion Battery (a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki), brings India one step closer to self-reliance in EV technology. By localizing over 80 percent of the battery value chain, India is reducing its dependence on imports while building a robust domestic supply chain for future growth in clean mobility.

The e-Vitara: India’s Flagship Electric SUV

The e-Vitara is being produced with advanced lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs in two capacities—49 kWh and 61 kWh. Customers will have the choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, ensuring versatility for both domestic and international markets. Built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform, the SUV combines efficiency with modern technology, making it competitive with global EV offerings. Production began today with a target of nearly 70,000 units for the first year, half of which will be exported to international markets.

Massive Investment for a Greener Future

Suzuki Motor Corporation has committed an investment of ₹70,000 crore (around US $8 billion) over the next five to six years to expand EV and battery production in India. This unprecedented move not only strengthens India’s claim as a global EV manufacturing hub but also signals growing confidence in the country’s policy environment and technological capabilities. The Gujarat plant is expected to play a central role in Suzuki’s worldwide EV strategy, creating jobs and boosting industrial output.

PM Modi’s Vision: Made in India, Made for the World

Reflecting on his earlier role as Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi highlighted how the Hansalpur project had been envisioned more than a decade ago and is now delivering results for the nation. “The world will drive EVs that say, Made in India,” he declared, underlining the broader vision of self-reliance and global competitiveness. He also emphasized India’s strengths of democracy, youth talent, and innovation, noting that these factors are driving global investments into the country’s EV and renewable energy sectors.

Economic and Strategic Impact

The inauguration has already had a positive impact on the stock market, with Maruti Suzuki’s shares rising nearly three percent to touch a 52-week high. Beyond market sentiment, the launch of both the e-Vitara and the hybrid battery electrode facility carries long-term implications for India’s industrial strategy. It aligns with the government’s National Critical Mineral Mission, which aims to secure rare earth supplies necessary for EV batteries, and places India firmly on the map of global EV supply chains.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for India’s Mobility Future

The launch of Maruti Suzuki’s e-Vitara and the establishment of domestic hybrid battery electrode production together mark a watershed moment in India’s automotive journey. For decades, India has been known as a hub for small, affordable cars. Today, it has stepped into a new role—as a global supplier of cutting-edge electric vehicles. With strong policy support, massive investments, and growing technological capabilities, India is no longer just preparing for the EV revolution—it is actively leading it. The road ahead is green, electrified, and proudly stamped with the words: Made in India.

(Sources: India TV News, NDTV, India Today)