India Becomes Suzuki’s Global EV Hub as PM Modi Launches e-Vitara in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the commercial production of Suzuki’s first global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, from the company’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat. The rollout marks a major milestone in India’s electric mobility journey and its push for self-reliance in clean energy.

The ceremony was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi described the launch as a “special day” for India, highlighting that the country is now emerging as a global hub for green mobility.

The Made-in-India e-Vitara will be exported to more than 100 countries, including advanced markets such as Europe and Japan. The model was first introduced in Europe last year before being unveiled in India at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025.

Alongside the EV launch, the Prime Minister inaugurated local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. The facility is expected to strengthen India’s domestic battery ecosystem and boost clean energy innovation.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, currently operates four plants with a combined annual capacity of 2.6 million units. In FY25, the company exported more than 3.32 lakh vehicles and sold 19.01 lakh units in the domestic market. With the start of e-Vitara production, India will serve as Suzuki’s global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

The twin projects — the rollout of the e-Vitara and the start of hybrid battery electrode production — reinforce the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, while advancing the country’s long-term green energy and sustainable mobility goals.