Maruti Suzuki India has set its sights on becoming the leading electric vehicle (EV) producer in the country within the next year, according to Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi. Speaking at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Takeuchi revealed that the company will begin production of its first battery-powered vehicle, the eVITARA, in “spring” at its plant in Gujarat.
“While I can’t provide specific sales figures, our goal as an OEM is to lead in EV production volume in India within the next year,” Takeuchi told reporters. The eVITARA will be manufactured exclusively in India and will be exported to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe.
Takeuchi added that there is significant demand for the eVITARA across multiple markets, and the company is exploring various options for the model’s domestic rollout. He confirmed that a dedicated production line for the eVITARA has been set up at the Gujarat facility, though he did not disclose capacity details.
Maruti Suzuki’s Head of Marketing and Sales, Partho Banerjee, mentioned that eVITARA sales will begin within this calendar year, with booking dates and pricing to be announced soon. The vehicle is expected to offer a driving range of over 500 kilometers on a single charge. Takeuchi highlighted that the growth of the EV market in India will depend on the introduction of new models and the improvement of charging infrastructure, which will address key challenges for customers.
Regarding sales channels, Takeuchi said the eVITARA will be sold through the Nexa network, but he left the door open to future considerations. “As EV sales increase, we may think about creating a dedicated EV sales channel, but for now, we are focusing on the Nexa network,” he explained. On battery recycling, Takeuchi noted that Maruti Suzuki has set up a joint venture for this purpose and plans to expand the network across the country in line with government policies.
Banerjee projected that by March 2026, Maruti Suzuki would be the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles in India. By 2030, the company plans to introduce six electric vehicle models, with a production capacity of 100,000 EVs per year at its Gujarat plant.
Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to catering to all customer segments is reflected in its “form agnostic, shape agnostic, and technology agnostic” approach, as Banerjee emphasized the company’s focus on understanding the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Suzuki Motor Corporation, which holds a 58% stake in Maruti Suzuki, plans to position India as a global production hub for the eVITARA model.
