Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA Electric Vehicle
India marked milestone in green mobility with the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, and a lithium-ion battery production facility in Hansalpur, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, denoting India’s growing role in sustainable transportation and the Make in India initiative. The e-VITARA will be manufactured domestically and exported to over 100 countries, showcasing India’s expanding footprint in the global electric vehicle (EV) market.
Strategic Importance
The launch took place at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant, a symbol of the India-Japan industrial partnership. The lithium-ion battery facility, a joint venture with Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso, will produce hybrid battery electrodes locally. This reduces India’s dependence on imports and supports the government’s push for self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Prime Minister referred to the event as a new chapter in India’s Make in India journey, coinciding with Ganesh Utsav.
e-VITARA Specifications and Features
- The e-VITARA is Maruti Suzuki’s debut electric SUV.
- It offers two lithium-iron phosphate battery options – 49 kWh and 61 kWh.
- Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants are available, catering to diverse consumer needs.
- The vehicle features modern design elements such as LED headlamps, 18/19-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment, wireless charging, JBL audio, 360-degree cameras, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Market Impact and Export Potential
Electric vehicles currently make up about 3% of India’s car sales. The e-VITARA aims to accelerate EV adoption domestically and establish India as a global EV manufacturing hub. Exports from Gujarat will reach over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe. Suzuki Motor Corporation has committed to investing ₹70,000 crore in India over the next 5-6 years, signalling strong confidence in the country’s automotive sector.
Government Initiatives and Industrial Growth
The launch aligns with several government policies promoting clean energy and manufacturing growth. Industrial corridors, production-linked incentives (PLI), logistics parks, and ease-of-doing-business reforms support this expansion. Electronics production has increased fivefold since 2014, mobile manufacturing by 27 times, and defence production doubled. The National Critical Minerals Mission aims to explore rare earth minerals essential for EV batteries, reducing reliance on imports.
| Related | |
|---|---|
