Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hansalpur assembly line on 26 August, marking start of production for Maruti Suzuki’s first battery-electric vehicle.
• During the visit, a TDS lithium-ion plant was opened to begin local manufacture of hybrid battery electrode components in Gujarat.
• Maruti says India-built e Vitara SUVs will be shipped to more than 100 countries, including Europe and Japan, as part of a global export strategy.
• The model is presented with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options, with the larger pack offering dual-motor AWD and reported outputs of about 144 hp and 174 hp respectively.
• The vehicle is claimed to deliver over 500 km per charge and include seven standard airbags, and reports indicate BYD-sourced Blade LFP cells, while Indian launch timing and pricing remain unannounced.