Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commemorated the start of production of Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited (SMG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. The milestone marks India’s significant push in EV manufacturing, with the e VITARA set to be exported to over 100 countries.

The Prime Minister also celebrated the commencement of local manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells and electrodes for hybrid electric vehicles at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), a fellow subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki.

The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Keiichi Ono, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki Chairman Mr R.C. Bhargava, and Managing Director & CEO Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, along with other dignitaries from government and industry.

Maruti Suzuki’s e VITARA will be India’s largest mass-produced and exported electric vehicle, showcasing a breakthrough in India's transition from being an EV importer to a manufacturing hub. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine conversions, the e VITARA is built on a dedicated EV platform, avoiding the compromises typically associated with adapted models.

The car is the result of an Indo-Japanese collaboration that blends Suzuki’s technological expertise with India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. It was previewed earlier in Milan and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi.

The first batch of the e VITARA will be shipped from Gujarat’s Pipavav Port to multiple European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, and others.

In a landmark achievement, TDSG has become India’s first company to localise lithium-ion battery cells at the electrode level (both cathode and anode). These batteries will power Maruti Suzuki’s strong hybrid electric models such as the Grand Vitara, marking a leap toward self-reliance in the electrified powertrain segment.

This localisation effort is aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, focusing on building local supply chains, enhancing technical capabilities, and creating scale in India’s green mobility ecosystem.

Mr Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, stated:

“We are honoured by the Prime Minister’s presence at this historic moment. His leadership has inspired Suzuki to invest in India. These milestones are a testament to the Indo-Japanese partnership and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and oil dependence through BEVs, hybrids, CNG, and biofuel vehicles.”

With the launch of e VITARA and localised lithium battery production, Maruti Suzuki takes a significant step towards leading India’s electric mobility future and reinforcing its global manufacturing footprint.