Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a pivotal moment in India’s automotive industry by launching the Maruti Suzuki e-VITARA, the nation’s first battery electric SUV. The event took place at the Maruti Suzuki plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat, on August 26, 2025, and also inaugurated the company’s new electric vehicle unit.
The e-VITARA is set to be sold in India and exported to over 100 countries, including markets in Japan and Europe. Production of the initial batch has already begun.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting its importance for India’s goal of self-reliance and its vision of becoming a hub for green mobility, in a post on X. The e-VITARA was officially launched at the Hansalpur event.
This event not only reinforces the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also advances India’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
The Maruti e Vitara is equipped with a lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack and will be available with two battery pack options: 49kWh and 61kWh. The SUV features 18-inch alloy wheels and has dimensions of 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. The manufacturer anticipates the SUV will provide a range exceeding 500 kilometers on a single charge. The design and size of the new Maruti e-Vitara are similar to the Maruti eVX concept car presented last year.
During the event, PM Modi also initiated the production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-ion battery plant in Gujarat. This will lead to over 80 percent of batteries being produced in India, boosting the battery ecosystem and reducing reliance on foreign sources.
On this occasion, PM Modi also launched a freight train service for transporting cars. Currently, the Hansalpur plant sends over 600 cars daily via rail. Three trains currently operate daily, supplying Maruti vehicles across India.