Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s first electric car, the e-Vitara, for exports from Hansalpur in Gujarat on 26 August. The launch marked a new milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance and green mobility. The electric SUV will be exported to more than 100 countries including Japan and European markets.

A milestone for Make in India

During the flag-off event, the Prime Minister said that a new chapter has been added to the Make in India story. From now on, electric vehicles running on foreign roads will carry the tag of Made in India. He called it a proud day for India’s growing role in green mobility.

He underlined that adoption of electric vehicles is not just about convenience but also about sustainability, cleaner transport, and long-term environmental benefits.

Maruti’s first electric SUV for global markets

The e-Vitara is Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV designed for both Indian and international markets. It has been completely manufactured in India at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited’s plant. The company will start exports to more than 100 countries. Production began in February 2025 at the Hansalpur plant.

Battery pack and driving range

The e-Vitara will be available with two battery pack options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The company claims that on a full charge the SUV can run for more than 500 kilometres. Both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options will be offered.

Exterior design inspired by concept model

The SUV has been built on the new Heartect-E platform developed jointly with Toyota. Its design is similar to the EVX concept. The car features sleek LED headlamps, Y-shaped LED daytime running lights, integrated fog lamps, stylish bumpers and 19-inch black alloy wheels. A sunroof, muscular body cladding and three-piece connected LED tail lamps at the rear give it a modern SUV look.

Modern interiors with focus on safety

Inside, the e-Vitara comes with a dual-tone black and orange cabin. It features a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, vertical AC vents with chrome touches and a floating screen set-up that combines the infotainment and driver display. Expected features include automatic climate control, ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging. Safety features will include six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera and electronic parking brake.

Pricing and competition in Indian market

The base model with 49 kWh battery is expected to be priced at around 20 lakh rupees (ex-showroom). The larger 61 kWh battery pack version could be priced at 25 lakh rupees. An all-wheel drive version is likely to cost 30 lakh rupees. In India, the SUV will compete with MG ZS EV, Tata Curve EV, Hyundai Creta EV and Mahindra BE 6.

Modi’s five key messages at the launch

Prime Minister Modi highlighted five important points in his address. He said India has a skilled workforce that makes the country attractive for global investors. He noted that Japanese company Suzuki manufacturers in India and exports vehicles back to Japan, making Maruti Suzuki a true brand ambassador of Make in India. He added that while investment may come from abroad, the sweat and skills of Indians give the products the essence of the nation. Modi urged every state to take advantage of global attention on India and compete in reforms, policies and governance. He concluded by saying that together, India will achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Production capacity at Hansalpur plant

Maruti Suzuki has invested 21,000 crore rupees in its Hansalpur facility, which has an annual production capacity of 750,000 vehicles. Initially, the company planned to produce 67,000 units of the e-Vitara in the financial year 2026. However, global shortages of rare earth magnets due to export restrictions by China may impact this target.

Nutshell Summary

• Modi flags off Maruti’s first electric SUV e-Vitara from Gujarat
• Car to be exported to more than 100 countries
• Two battery options with over 500 km range
• Modern SUV design with LED headlamps and sunroof
• Dual-tone interiors, wireless charging, six airbags
• Price expected between 20 lakh and 30 lakh rupees
• Hansalpur plant capacity 7.5 lakh vehicles annually