Maruti Suzuki’s first global EV, e-VITARA, to be rolled out from India by PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Suzuki Motor plant in Hansalpur, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday to inaugurate the domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes and launch the export of Maruti Suzuki’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, to more than 100 countries, including Japan and several European nations.

“At around 10.30 am on August 26, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the localised production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag off BEV exports to 100 countries from Hansalpur, Ahmedabad. He will also address the gathering on the occasion,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The localised production will take place at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki. With this move, more than 80 per cent of the battery value will now be manufactured in India, advancing the country’s clean energy and manufacturing ambitions.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, had unveiled the e-VITARA in January 2025 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. With a total annual capacity of 2.6 million units across four plants in India, the company exported 3.32 lakh vehicles and sold 19.01 lakh units domestically in FY25. Commercial production of the e-VITARA begins Tuesday at Hansalpur, cementing India’s role as Suzuki’s global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate railway projects worth nearly Rs 1,400 crore, including the Rs 530 crore doubling of the 65 km Mahesana–Palanpur line.

IANS