Suzuki Motor Corporation has officially commenced dispatch of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, alongside lithium-ion batteries for strong hybrid vehicles from India. The launch ceremony took place on 26 August at Suzuki’s Gujarat Plant, the production site of the e VITARA. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono, and Suzuki’s Representative Director and President, Toshihiro Suzuki. Around 600 participants, including officials from both central and state governments and Suzuki personnel, witnessed the milestone.
Comment from Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki:
“We are deeply honored to have the Honorable Prime Minister join us for these two landmark projects.
The e VITARA, our first BEV, will be manufactured here in Gujarat and exported to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, including Europe and Japan. The lithium-ion batteries for our hybrid models are produced at TDSG*, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
For over four decades, Suzuki has partnered in India’s mobility journey. We remain committed to advancing India’s vision for sustainable green mobility and contributing to the nation’s development.”
- TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG)
Dispatch of the e VITARA
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, has begun dispatch of the e VITARA, the company’s first global strategic BEV. Produced at the Gujarat plant, the vehicles will be shipped via Pipavav port to markets worldwide, including Europe and Japan.
Designed under the concept of an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the e VITARA combines advanced technology and robust design. Its BEV powertrain delivers a sharp and responsive driving experience, while the electric 4WD system, “ALLGRIP-e,” ensures both off-road capability and strong performance. The vehicle is built on Suzuki’s newly developed “HEARTECT-e” platform, specifically engineered for BEVs.
Start of Hybrid Battery Production
TDSG, a joint venture between Suzuki, Toshiba Corporation, and Denso Corporation, has begun producing lithium-ion batteries for strong hybrid vehicles, initially installed in the Grand Vitara, with plans to expand to other models.
Established in 2017, TDSG ensures a stable supply of automotive lithium-ion batteries in India and supports the country’s push for environmentally friendly vehicles. India’s first plant to produce batteries from the cell level, TDSG started manufacturing batteries for mild hybrid vehicles in 2021 and has now produced batteries for over 1 million vehicles.
