PM Modi Launches Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, Inaugurates EV Plant in Gujarat
In a major step toward India’s green mobility future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat, and officially launched the company’s first battery electric vehicle — the e-Vitara.
Speaking at the inauguration, PM Modi described the event as a milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance and sustainability.
“Today is a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility,” he said. “At the programme in Hansalpur, e-Vitara will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations.”
e-Vitara: Maruti’s First Step Into Electric Mobility
The e-Vitara represents Maruti Suzuki’s official entry into the battery electric vehicle space. Designed for both Indian and global markets, the vehicle is set to be exported to more than 100 countries, reinforcing India’s position as an emerging EV manufacturing hub.
The launch event was also attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono.
Launch Date and Charging Specifications
Indian customers can expect the e-Vitara to hit showrooms on September 3. It has already debuted in the UK and will compete with rivals like the Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE.6.
The e-Vitara will feature:
- 18-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels
- Goodyear tyres
- Two battery options:
- 49 kWh battery
- 61 kWh battery
Charging times:
- 49 kWh battery:
- 6.5 hours on a 7 kW AC charger
- 4.5 hours on an 11 kW AC charger
- 61 kWh battery:
- 9 hours on a 7 kW charger
- 5.5 hours on an 11 kW charger
Both variants support DC fast charging, enabling up to 80% charge in just 45 minutes.
Battery Ecosystem Development Also Announced
In addition to the EV rollout, PM Modi also emphasized strides being made in the EV battery supply chain.
“In a big boost to our battery ecosystem, production of hybrid battery electrodes will also commence at a plant in Gujarat,” he announced.
Industry analysts say the dual developments — launching the e-Vitara and expanding domestic battery production — reflect India’s strategic focus on reducing import dependence while building a robust EV ecosystem.
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