PM Modi Launches India’s First Global EV Revolution
Maruti Suzuki’s e-Vitara flagged off for global export.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone for India’s automotive and green energy sectors by flagging off Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, at the company’s Hansalpur plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The made-in-India compact SUV, unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025, is set to be exported to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Japan and Europe, positioning India as Suzuki’s global EV manufacturing hub.
During the event, Modi also inaugurated a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery electrode production facility by TDS Lithium-Ion Battery, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This facility will produce over 80% of battery components domestically, bolstering India’s self-reliance in EV technology. The Prime Minister hailed the dual launches as a “special day for India’s quest for self-reliance and green mobility,” aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The e-Vitara, available with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, offers up to 428 km of range and comes in single-motor (142–172 BHP) and dual-motor (178 BHP) variants. It features BYD-sourced blade cell LFP batteries and seven standard airbags, ensuring safety and efficiency. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, with an annual production capacity of 2.6 million units across four plants, exported 3.32 lakh vehicles in FY25, and the e-Vitara is expected to significantly boost its global footprint.
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The Hansalpur plant leverages India’s first automobile Gati Shakti multimodal cargo terminal, capable of dispatching 3 lakh vehicles annually by rail, reducing carbon emissions. Modi also dedicated railway projects worth ₹1,400 crore, including the doubling of the 65 km Mahesana-Palanpur line, enhancing Gujarat’s connectivity. These initiatives underscore India’s ambition to lead in electric mobility and sustainable manufacturing, despite looming U.S. tariff threats.
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