PM Modi flags off e-Vitara project in Gujarat, pushes for India's green mobility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Maruti Suzuki's first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), e-Vitara, at Gujarat's Hansalpur on Tuesday. The made-in-India EV will be exported to over 100 countries, which signifies India's growth in green mobility and self-reliance. 

The launch of the e-Vitara coincided with the start of the hybrid battery electrode production at a new plant in Hansalpur, which will boost India's EV battery ecosystem. 

PM Modi called it a milestone in India's journey towards becoming a hub for sustainable transportation. 

While addressing the gathering, he said, "On the occasion of Ganesh Utsav, a new chapter is being added to the Make in India yatra. 'Make in India, Make for the World' is a big leap in that journey." 

The PM added, "The Indian Government is also aware of the shortage of rare earth manganese for the auto industry. To increase the capacity of the industry in this direction, we have also launched the National Critical Mineral Mission. Under this, more exploration missions will be conducted at different places in the country, and critical minerals will be discovered." 

#WATCH | Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the 'e-VITARA', Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), at the Suzuki Motor plant in Hansalpur, Ahmedabad.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/CLKE9nvnKG

— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2025

All you need to know about the e-Vitara project 

e-Vitara was first showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi early this year. It marks Maruti Suzuki's venture in the EV segment, as e-Vitara debuts on the global stage. Here is all you need to know about the e-Vitara project: 

• The e-Vitara EV has two lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery options - 49 kWh and 61 kWh, which are available in both front wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations that will offer flexibility for varied markets. 
• It is designed with features such as sharp LED headlamps and DRLs, 18/19 inch alloy wheels, a fully digital instrument cluster with touchscreen infotainment, a powered driver seat, wireless charger, JBL premium audio, 36-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 
• Currently, electric vehicles account for only 3 percent of car sales in India. e-Vitara is expected to accelerate its adoption in India, at the same time, pitching it as Suzuki's global manufacturing hub for EVs, from where they will be exported to over 100 countries, including Europe and Japan. 
• Further, Suzuki will invest Rs 70,000 crore in India over the coming five to six years. 

​The lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility set up by Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso, inaugurated by PM Modi, will enhance and support the production of hybrid and electric vehicles in India. Along with this, he also laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 5,400 crores at the Khodaldham ground in Ahmedabad.