PM Launches Maruti Suzuki’s First EV for Global Export

28 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

e VITARA: A Global EV from India

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.

Global Export Rollout

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.

Localised Battery Manufacturing

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.

Leadership Commentary

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.

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.e VITARA: A Global EV from IndiaMaruti 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.Global Export RolloutThe 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.Localised Battery ManufacturingIn 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.Leadership CommentaryMr 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.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..