PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Global EV, the e-VITARA, from Gujarat Plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated a landmark chapter in India’s electric mobility journey by flagging off Suzuki Motor Corporation’s first global electric vehicle, the e-VITARA, from Suzuki’s state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility in Hansalpur, Gujarat.

The e-VITARA, designed for export to over 100 countries, represents India’s growing stature as a trusted global hub for next-generation electric vehicles.

PM Modi’s current visit to Gujarat celebrates the rapid advances made since 2022, when he laid the foundation stone for the Maruti Suzuki Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in Haryana and Suzuki’s EV Battery Plant for Hansalpur during a landmark event in Gandhinagar that commemorated Suzuki’s 40-year presence in India.

Facility Tour and Export Launch

Following the flag-off, PM Modi toured Suzuki’s state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility at Hansalpur, accompanied by Toshihiro Suzuki, President & Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The facility showcases cutting-edge Indian and Japanese engineering collaboration, supporting both domestic and global EV markets.

EV Battery Ecosystem Expansion

A significant part of the event was the inauguration of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant — a powerhouse joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki.

This marks the next phase of India’s battery ecosystem, with advanced manufacturing technologies and localized cell components promising over 80% value addition within India.

The TDSG plant, India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility at the cell level, is a strategic part of the nation’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” mission and “Make in India” drive, providing batteries for Maruti Suzuki and enabling large-scale EV deployment.

Accelerating India’s EV Journey

The event highlighted the rapid strides made since 2022, when Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation for the Maruti Suzuki Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in Haryana and Suzuki’s EV Battery Plant in Gujarat during celebrations of Suzuki’s 40-year presence in India.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

“India is committed to leading the global transition towards clean mobility. The launch of Suzuki’s e-VITARA from Gujarat not only strengthens our economy but also takes us closer to our goal of a greener and more sustainable future.”

State-of-the-Art Facility and Global Export

Following the flag-off, PM Modi toured Suzuki’s Hansalpur facility, accompanied by Toshihiro Suzuki, President & Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Toshihiro Suzuki remarked:

“The e-VITARA is a symbol of Indo-Japanese collaboration and our shared commitment to future mobility. With India as our global EV production base, we are proud to export this vehicle to markets worldwide.”

Strengthening India’s Battery Ecosystem

The Prime Minister also inaugurated local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant — a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki.

The facility, India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant at the cell level, will localize more than 80% of the battery value chain in India, providing batteries for Maruti Suzuki and enabling mass-scale EV adoption.

This expansion is a critical step under the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.

Industry Impact and Green Mobility Goals

With Gujarat fast emerging as a hub for EV and battery innovation, the new TDSG expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs, foster advanced technology transfer, and integrate India further into global EV supply chains.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said:

“Gujarat is proud to lead India’s green mobility revolution. The e-VITARA launch and TDSG expansion will strengthen Gujarat’s role as a global center for clean energy innovation.”

About Suzuki Motor Corporation

Suzuki Motor Corporation, headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a global leader in automobiles, motorcycles, and outboard motors, with a strong presence in over 190 countries. Through its subsidiary Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Suzuki has been the market leader in India for over four decades, driving innovation, affordability, and customer trust.