Maruti Suzuki Launches First Locally-Made Electric SUV, Focuses On Global Exports

India's largest automaker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on Tuesday hit a key milestone by starting the manufacturing of its inaugural made-in-India electric vehicle (EV) and setting global export targets for the new model. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Maruti Suzuki eVitara production line at the company's Hansalpur manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

The first locally manufactured eVitara is positioned to reach markets spanning over 100 nations, with Japan also included in the export destinations. This development marks a strategic shift for the Indian automotive sector toward becoming a global manufacturing hub for electric mobility solutions.

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"Many companies have increased their trust on India," the prime minister told reporters at the launch. 

"Till a few years back, EV battery were completely imported (into India). Localisation of battery cells and electrodes will provide a good boost to India's EV infrastructure."

Battery Manufacturing Initiative

During the same ceremony, PM Modi unveiled a lithium-ion battery production facility developed through a collaborative venture between Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, and Denso. This facility will supply battery systems for both hybrid and EV segments.

₹70,000 Crore Investment

The Japanese automotive giant has announced plans to invest ₹70,000 crore into its Indian operations over the next five to six years. This substantial investment aims to expand production capabilities, introduce new vehicle models, and strengthen market position in the world's third-largest automotive market.

Advanced Manufacturing Facility

The Hansalpur production plant in Gujarat represents a ₹21,000 crore investment by Maruti Suzuki, featuring an impressive annual manufacturing capacity of 750,000 vehicles. This facility positions the company to meet both domestic demand and international export requirements.

New eVitara Specifications, Features

The eVitara electric SUV offers customers two distinct battery configurations: a 49kWh option and a higher-capacity 61kWh variant. According to company specifications, the battery electric vehicle can achieve a maximum driving range exceeding 500 kilometres on a complete charge cycle.

The electric SUV uses Suzuki's newly developed Heartect-e platform, specifically engineered for EV applications. Safety features include a comprehensive seven-airbag system and advanced Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology.

The eVitara is a historic achievement as both Maruti Suzuki's first battery EV and the inaugural BEV from parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation. The production model made its initial Indian debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

Production Targets

Initial manufacturing projections estimated approximately 67,000 eVitara units for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26). However, production planning faced disruption due to rare earth magnet supply constraints resulting from Chinese export restrictions implemented in April.