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Maruti Suzuki to Unveil 'Production-Ready' Electric Vitara at Bharat Mobility Expo

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Maruti Suzuki to Unveil 'Production-Ready' Electric Vitara at Bharat Mobility Expo
20 Dec 2024
5 min read

News Synopsis

Maruti Suzuki, the leading car maker in India by market share, is set to unveil its first electric vehicle (EV), the e-Vitara, at the highly anticipated Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This marks a significant step for the company into the electric vehicle segment as it seeks to intensify competition in the growing market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The electric Vitara will be showcased as part of the company's push to promote EV adoption and expand its portfolio of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Production-Ready e-Vitara for the Global Market

The e-Vitara is touted as a "production-ready" model, with Maruti Suzuki affirming that the electric SUV will be manufactured in India for the global market. This aligns with the company’s strategy to tap into the international demand for EVs while simultaneously strengthening its domestic presence in the electric mobility space.

According to Maruti Suzuki, the e-Vitara is built on the 'HEARTECT-e' platform, a purpose-built structure for electric vehicles that ensures a superior driving experience. This platform is designed to offer better efficiency and performance, making the e-Vitara a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.

Vision for Promoting EV Adoption in India

To support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India, Maruti Suzuki has emphasized the need to create a holistic ecosystem. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki India, highlighted the importance of simplifying the EV ownership journey for customers.

The company plans to address one of the main concerns of potential EV buyers—charging infrastructure—by offering home charging solutions as well as establishing a nationwide network of fast chargers. These chargers will be available at Maruti Suzuki dealerships and service touchpoints, making it easier for customers to adopt and use electric vehicles.

Manufacturing and Global Production Plans

The production of the e-Vitara is scheduled to commence at Suzuki Motor’s Gujarat plant in March 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it transitions from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to fully electric models. In addition to India, Maruti Suzuki has plans to begin production of the e-Vitara in Europe and Japan later in the year, expanding its footprint in key international markets. The move signals Maruti Suzuki’s ambition to be a prominent player in the global electric vehicle market, offering consumers high-quality, eco-friendly mobility options.

e-Vitara: The First BEV from Maruti Suzuki

The e-Vitara is the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) developed by Maruti Suzuki. The company has expressed that the e-Vitara was created through a process of "repeated trial and error" to ensure it is easy to use and meets the expectations of customers.

Toshihiro Suzuki, President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, emphasized that the company will continue to expand its BEV lineup after the launch of the e-Vitara. Suzuki plans to tailor its electric vehicles to the needs of specific countries and regions, ensuring that it offers mobility solutions that cater to a diverse range of consumers worldwide.

Maruti Suzuki's Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

Maruti Suzuki's focus on electric vehicles comes at a time when the company has also reached a new milestone in its manufacturing capabilities. The company recently crossed the 20 lakh car production mark in a year for the first time.

This achievement demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s leadership in the Indian automotive sector and sets the stage for the next phase of growth as the company embraces the shift towards sustainable and greener technologies in the automotive industry.

Conclusion: The Future of Electric Mobility with Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki’s entry into the electric vehicle market with the e-Vitara is a significant development for the Indian automotive industry. The company’s commitment to producing an affordable and accessible electric SUV reflects its understanding of the evolving needs of consumers and the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, infrastructure development, and global expansion, Maruti Suzuki is well-positioned to play a key role in the future of electric mobility.

TWN Special