Maruti Suzuki India has announced plans to localise the production of electric vehicle (EV) components, including batteries, over the next few years as part of its strategy to strengthen the country’s EV ecosystem. This initiative comes as the company prepares to launch its first electric vehicle, the e-VITARA, in the Indian market next year.
Currently, Maruti Suzuki imports batteries and other key EV parts, but it plans to phase in domestic manufacturing to boost cost efficiency, reduce dependence on imports, and encourage broader EV adoption. Senior Executive Officer Partho Banerjee said localisation will happen in a phased manner over the coming years.
Banerjee also highlighted that EV adoption in India is still evolving, with many buyers treating EVs as secondary vehicles due to concerns around driving range and public charging infrastructure. He noted that customer confidence will grow only when EVs become reliable as primary household vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki aims to have five EV models in its portfolio by FY30 and is working to strengthen charging infrastructure and after-sales support. The company currently has around 1,500 EV-enabled workshops across 1,100 cities and has set up about 2,000 charging points nationwide. It is also introducing programs such as assured buyback and subscription schemes to improve resale value for EV buyers.
The automaker has started exporting the e-VITARA, with 10,000 units shipped to 26 markets so far. Maruti Suzuki plans to further expand EV models and collaborate with dealers and charging partners to set up around 100,000 charging stations by 2030.
