Maruti Suzuki Unveils Its First Electric Vehicle—eVITARA, Set To Export To 100 Countries With Rs 2,100 Crore Production Investment In India

In a great moment for the Indian automobile industry, Maruti Suzuki India on Friday (17 January) introduced its first battery electric vehicle, the eVITARA, at the Auto Expo held during the Bharat Mobility Show. 

This electric SUV, the company’s first global strategic battery electric vehicle (BEV), is set to be exported to over 100 countries, including key markets like Europe and Japan.

Toshihiro Suzuki, representative director and president of Suzuki Motor Corporation, announced that India has been chosen as the global manufacturing hub for the eVITARA. 

Production is set to commence in the coming months at Maruti Suzuki's Gujarat plant.

The eVITARA marks a significant milestone for Suzuki as it transitions to electric mobility. To ensure widespread adoption, Suzuki has devised a three-step strategy: 

Creating a BEV-dedicated platform for optimal performance, tailoring products to meet specific market needs, and leveraging global economies of scale by centralising production.

"We have invested more than Rs 2,100 crore for manufacturing eVITARA in India, which includes a dedicated EV production line," he said.

The company is also rolling out the “e for me” initiative to provide customers with sustainable electric mobility solutions. In the first phase, fast-charging networks will be set up in the top 100 cities, ensuring charging points every 5 to 10 km. This will be expanded further in subsequent phases. 

Additionally, Maruti Suzuki plans to establish over 1,500 EV-enabled service workshops across more than 1,000 cities, staffed with specially trained personnel and equipped to handle all EV-related requirements.

The eVITARA will be offered with two battery options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh, delivering an impressive driving range of approximately 500 km on a single charge.

As Suzuki’s first global strategic EV, the eVITARA aims to cater to a diverse range of markets while reinforcing India’s role as a key player in the global EV landscape