On August 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s advanced manufacturing facility at Hansalpur, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward green mobility. The event, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, celebrated the launch of the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat (TDSG) facility, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This plant, India’s first to localize lithium-ion battery cell and electrode production, will produce batteries for Maruti Suzuki’s strong hybrid vehicles, notably the Grand Vitara Hybrid, and support the company’s electric vehicle (EV) ambitions, including the e-Vitara.
The TDSG battery for the Grand Vitara Hybrid features a 48-cell stack, weighs 18 kg per module, and has a capacity of 0.6 kWh. Constructed with aluminum die-cast material, it ensures durability and efficient thermal management, critical for maintaining performance in India’s diverse climate. The battery powers the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-liter petrol engine with a 177.6 V lithium-ion battery pack. This setup delivers a peak power of 115.56 hp and 112 Nm of torque, working seamlessly with an eCVT transmission to achieve an impressive fuel efficiency of 27.97 km/l, making it one of India’s most fuel-efficient SUVs.
The Hansalpur facility, operated by Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), is a cornerstone of Maruti Suzuki’s push for self-reliance under India’s “Make in India” initiative. The TDSG plant localizes over 80% of the battery’s value, reducing dependence on imported components and strengthening India’s EV ecosystem. This collaboration with Toshiba and Denso leverages advanced Japanese technology, with Toshiba providing cell modules and Denso contributing expertise in battery systems. The facility, established with an investment of Rs 4,267 crore, produces 1.8 crore cells annually, supporting over 10 lakh hybrid vehicles, including the Grand Vitara and Invicto hybrid ambulance.
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The Grand Vitara Hybrid, available in trims like Delta+, Zeta+, and Alpha+, combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Unlike the e-Vitara, which uses larger 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery packs for full-electric performance, the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid system prioritizes efficiency for urban and highway driving. Its localized battery production not only lowers costs but also aligns with India’s carbon-neutral goals, as emphasized by Suzuki Motor Corporation President Toshihiro Suzuki during the inauguration.
The Hansalpur plant, spanning 640 acres, is a global manufacturing hub for Maruti Suzuki, with a capacity of 750,000 vehicles annually across three production lines. It produces popular models like the Baleno, Swift, and Fronx, alongside the e-Vitara, which is built on the 40PL EV platform developed with Toyota. The facility’s role extends beyond domestic markets, with plans to export the e-Vitara to over 100 countries, including Japan, the UK, and Germany, starting from Pipavav Port. This export focus, coupled with a Rs 21,077 crore investment and an additional Rs 3,200 crore for a dedicated EV line (Plant D) by FY2025-26, positions Hansalpur as a nerve center for India’s electric mobility revolution.
Suzuki Motor Corporation plans to invest over Rs 70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility. This includes a multi-powertrain strategy encompassing hybrids, ethanol flex-fuel, compressed biogas, and EVs to achieve carbon neutrality. The Hansalpur facility’s ability to produce both vehicles and batteries locally supports India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision, creating over 11 lakh jobs and reducing import reliance. The plant’s success, highlighted by its record-breaking 4 million units in cumulative production, underscores Maruti Suzuki’s operational expertise and India’s growing stature in global automotive manufacturing.
The TDSG facility incorporates eco-conscious practices, aligning with India’s green manufacturing goals. By localizing battery production, Maruti Suzuki reduces the carbon footprint associated with imports while supporting hybrid vehicles like the Grand Vitara, which are pivotal in transitioning to cleaner mobility. The company’s broader strategy, including the development of hybrid ambulances and plans for four EVs by 2030, reflects a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for the industry.