PM Modi to flag off Maruti Suzuki’s first global EV, e-VITARA, in Gujarat today

PM Modi will inaugurate hybrid battery electrode production and flag off exports of Maruti Suzuki’s first global EV, the e-VITARA, from Gujarat today, marking India’s rise as Suzuki’s global EV hub.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Suzuki Motor Plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Tuesday to inaugurate the localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and launch the export of Maruti Suzuki’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA. The EV will be exported to over 100 countries, including Japan and several European nations.

“On 26th August, at around 10:30 a.m., Prime Minister will inaugurate localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag off battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries at Hansalpur, Ahmedabad. He will also address the gathering on the occasion,” the PMO said in a statement.

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Marking a significant milestone for India’s EV and battery ecosystem, the local production of hybrid battery electrodes will begin at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. With this development, more than 80 per cent of battery value will now be manufactured domestically, advancing India’s clean energy and manufacturing goals.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, unveiled the e-VITARA in January 2025 during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo. With an annual capacity of 2.6 million units across four Indian plants, the company exported over 3.32 lakh vehicles and sold 19.01 lakh units in the domestic market in FY25. Commercial production of the e-VITARA officially begins Tuesday at the Hansalpur plant.

With this milestone, India will now serve as Suzuki’s global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

These initiatives align with the government’s vision of making India a global hub for electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure development, marking a significant step towards becoming Aatmanirbhar in the field of green energy.

In addition, the Prime Minister will dedicate projects worth approximately Rs 1,400 crore in the railway sector, including the Rs 530 crore doubling of the 65 km Mahesana–Palanpur railway line.