Maruti Suzuki India believes that expanding public charging infrastructure is crucial for accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption, as range anxiety continues to prevent many customers from considering an EV as their household’s primary car. Although sales of electric passenger vehicles in India have nearly doubled year-on-year, their share in total passenger vehicle sales remains low at 4.5%, up from 2.4% last year. “In absolute numbers, the growth is 100%, but the question is whether it’s sustainable,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India.
The company will launch its first electric model, the e-VITARA, in the current fiscal. Banerjee pointed out that many buyers remain hesitant to choose EVs as their main vehicle, despite automakers offering models with driving ranges of up to 500 km. He stressed that the shortage of public charging points, especially along highways, is still a significant hurdle. Maruti Suzuki is setting up charging facilities in 100 cities to address the issue.
Citing July’s Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) data, Banerjee noted that EV retail sales surged 93% year-on-year to 15,528 units from 8,037 units in the same month last year. However, he emphasised that the choice of vehicle technology—whether electric, hybrid, or otherwise—should ultimately rest with the consumer, without undue preference given to any one option.
Currently, battery electric vehicles in India attract a total tax incidence of 5% (including GST), compared with around 43% for strong hybrid models. Maruti Suzuki offers the Grand Vitara and Invicto with strong hybrid technology.
On the decline in entry-level car sales, Banerjee attributed the drop to rising costs from new regulations, which have eroded affordability, especially in rural and urban lower-income segments. He revealed plans for a financing scheme allowing customers to own an Alto for ₹2,999 per month, while stressing that lowering acquisition costs is essential for segment recovery.
He added that the recent reduction in the repo rate has yet to translate into tangible benefits for car buyers, and it may take a couple of years for the entry-level market to return to growth. Marking ten years of its Nexa retail network, Maruti Suzuki also unveiled the Grand Vitara PHANTOM BLAQ Edition, featuring a matte black wrap.
Maruti Suzuki, formed as a joint venture between Suzuki Motor and the Indian government in the early 1980s, changed the face of personal transportation in India with affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles. The company has held a dominant position in the country’s passenger car market ever since. Maruti Suzuki is one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, renowned for producing a wide range of affordable and reliable vehicles. A subsidiary of the Japanese automaker Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki has established itself as a household name in India since its inception in 1981.
The company is known for offering a diverse portfolio of cars, from compact hatchbacks to sedans and SUVs, catering to various customer preferences and budgets. Maruti Suzuki has played a significant role in making car ownership accessible to millions of Indians, with its focus on fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and strong after-sales service. With an extensive network of dealerships and service centers across the country, Maruti Suzuki continues to dominate the Indian automotive market while also expanding its presence globally.
