e Vitara is making headlines as Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) begins its global journey. The first batch of this made-in-India electric SUV will be shipped to Europe this month. Not only is this the largest mass-produced electric vehicle to be exported from India, but it will also be available in the Indian market. This landmark moment represents a new chapter for India in sustainable mobility and global automotive exports.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated this milestone by marking the start of production of Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Ltd. facility. The e Vitara will be available in more than 100 countries, including key markets like the United Kingdom and Japan.
India’s First Mass-Produced and Exported Electric SUV
The e Vitara is expected to become a symbol of India’s growing role in the global electric vehicle industry. Unlike earlier small-scale EV launches, this model is designed for mass production and global exports. It will soon be one of the most widely distributed Indian-made electric SUVs, showcasing India’s potential to lead in the clean mobility revolution.
According to Maruti Suzuki, the Gujarat facility was chosen as the global production hub for this model. This state-of-the-art plant will not only serve Indian customers but also export to over 100 countries across Europe, Asia, and other markets.
Local Manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Alongside the launch of the e Vitara, the Prime Minister also celebrated another breakthrough: the start of local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. The production of the first lithium-ion battery, cell, and electrode for strong hybrid electric vehicles has begun at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Ltd. (TDSG).
This development is historic because TDSG has become the first company in India to achieve electrode-level localisation of lithium-ion battery cells. By achieving this milestone, India is becoming more self-reliant in advanced battery technology, which is critical for both electric and hybrid vehicles.
The locally manufactured batteries will be used in hybrid versions of popular SUVs like the Grand Vitara. This achievement is expected to reduce dependency on imports, strengthen domestic supply chains, and accelerate the adoption of hybrid and electric mobility solutions.
A Step Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future
Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, highlighted the significance of these developments. He described them as a testimony to the enduring Indo-Japanese partnership, built on mutual trust and a shared vision for a carbon-neutral future.
He further explained that Suzuki will continue to provide multiple technologies that reduce oil consumption, imports, and carbon emissions. This includes battery electric vehicles like the e Vitara, strong hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicles powered by natural gas and biofuels.
The company has adopted a multi-powertrain strategy, which combines electric vehicles, strong hybrids, ethanol flex-fuel models, and compressed biogas technology to achieve long-term climate goals.
Gujarat: A Global Manufacturing Hub
The Gujarat facility, which already serves Indian and international customers, is set to become one of the largest automobile manufacturing hubs in the world. With a planned capacity of one million units, the facility will play a central role in Suzuki’s global operations.
“We chose this facility to manufacture the e Vitara, our first BEV, and make it a global production hub for this model. We will export this Made-in-India BEV to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe,” said Toshihiro Suzuki.
He also confirmed that while raw materials and certain semiconductor parts will still be imported from Japan, the localisation of lithium-ion battery cells marks a huge step in India’s self-reliance journey.
Huge Investments in India’s Green Mobility
Suzuki Motor Corporation has committed to investing more than ₹70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years. These funds will be directed towards expanding green mobility initiatives, setting up advanced manufacturing facilities, and supporting India’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
So far, the Suzuki Group has already invested over ₹1,00,000 crore in India. These investments have not only boosted India’s automobile manufacturing capabilities but also created more than 11 lakh direct jobs across the value chain.
Toshihiro Suzuki reaffirmed the company’s commitment to India, saying:
“We remain committed to supporting India’s vision for sustainable green mobility.”
What Makes e Vitara Special?
The e Vitara is not just another electric SUV—it represents a vision of cleaner and more accessible mobility. Here are some of its key highlights:
- Mass Production: Unlike earlier EV models in India, the e Vitara will be produced at scale.
- Global Reach: Exports to over 100 countries, including Europe, Japan, and the UK.
- Green Technology: Built with battery technology aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
- India’s Pride: First large-scale electric SUV from India to enter the global market.
- Part of a Bigger Strategy: Supports Suzuki’s global plan for carbon neutrality.
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The Road Ahead for India’s EV Industry
The launch of the e Vitara is expected to set a benchmark for India’s electric vehicle industry. With global exports and large-scale production, India is positioning itself as not just a domestic EV market but also a global EV manufacturing hub.
The localisation of lithium-ion batteries will further strengthen India’s position, reducing costs and making electric mobility more affordable in the long run. This is crucial for India’s commitment to cut carbon emissions and promote green technologies.
Moreover, the government’s support and industry investments are aligning to create an ecosystem where EVs, hybrid cars, and alternative fuel vehicles can coexist, providing consumers with more options while reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion
The first batch of e Vitara sailing to Europe marks the beginning of a new era for India’s automobile industry. It is more than just a product launch—it is a message to the world that India is ready to lead in clean mobility. With Maruti Suzuki’s massive investments, local battery production, and a strong global export plan, the e Vitara is poised to become a global symbol of India’s green automotive future.
As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, the e Vitara stands as a proud example of “Made in India, for the World.”
