Suzuki Begins Dispatch of First Battery Electric Vehicle e VITARA and Hybrid Batteries from India
Suzuki Motor Corporation has officially commenced the dispatch of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e VITARA, along with lithium-ion batteries for strong hybrid vehicles, directly from its production hub in India. This marks a major milestone in Suzuki’s electrification journey and its continued commitment to sustainable mobility, both in India and globally.
Ceremony Marks a Landmark Event
The start of dispatch ceremony took place on August 26 at Suzuki’s Gujarat Plant, where the e VITARA is manufactured. The event was distinguished by the presence of several dignitaries, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Ambassador of Japan to India Keiichi Ono, and Suzuki’s Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki. Approximately 600 attendees were present, comprising government officials from both India and Gujarat as well as key Suzuki personnel.
Message from Toshihiro Suzuki: A Commitment to India’s Mobility Future
Toshihiro Suzuki expressed deep honor at the occasion and highlighted the importance of these initiatives to both Suzuki and India’s future.
“We are deeply honored that the Honorable Prime Minister has graced the two landmark projects. The e VITARA, our first BEV, will be manufactured here at this Gujarat facility and exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, including Europe and Japan. The lithium-ion batteries used in our hybrid models are manufactured at TDSG*, which contributes to ‘Make in India’.”
He further added, “Suzuki has partnered in India’s mobility journey for over four decades. We remain committed to supporting India’s vision for sustainable green mobility and contributing to the further development of India.”
*Note: TDSG refers to TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited, a joint venture focused on lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
Launch of the e VITARA: Suzuki’s First Global Strategic BEV from India
The e VITARA represents Suzuki’s first global strategic battery electric vehicle. Produced by Maruti Suzuki India Limited—the company’s Indian subsidiary—the vehicle is assembled at the Gujarat plant and shipped from Pipavav port for distribution across global markets, including key regions such as Europe and Japan.
Positioned under the concept of an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the e VITARA marries advanced technology with robust design elements. It features:
- A sleek and powerful design combining sophistication and ruggedness
- A BEV powertrain engineered to deliver a nimble and responsive driving experience
- The innovative electric 4WD system called “ALLGRIP-e,” which enhances off-road capabilities while offering powerful on-road performance
- The newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, built specifically to accommodate BEV architecture and optimize vehicle dynamics
With this launch, Suzuki enters a competitive electric vehicle market with a model that balances style, performance, and practicality, while supporting global emission reduction goals.
Commencement of Strong Hybrid Battery Production by TDSG
Alongside the BEV dispatch, TDSG, the joint venture between Suzuki, Toshiba Corporation, and Denso Corporation, began production of lithium-ion batteries for strong hybrid vehicles. These batteries are already installed in the Grand Vitara and will soon be integrated into other Suzuki models.
Founded in 2017, TDSG plays a vital role in India’s battery manufacturing landscape. It is the first plant in India to produce lithium-ion batteries starting from the cell level, ensuring a stable and localized supply chain to support environmentally friendly vehicle initiatives.
TDSG started production of batteries for mild hybrid vehicles in 2021 and has since supplied batteries for over 1 million vehicles, demonstrating its significant impact on India’s automotive electrification efforts.
Impact and Significance for India and Beyond
The launch of the e VITARA and strong hybrid batteries from India signals several important developments:
- India as a Manufacturing Hub: The Gujarat facility’s role as the production site for a global strategic BEV and its batteries underlines India’s rising prominence in the automotive manufacturing landscape, particularly for electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Make in India Initiative: By manufacturing batteries and vehicles domestically, Suzuki is supporting India’s government-driven “Make in India” initiative, promoting local manufacturing, technology development, and export growth.
- Sustainability Commitment: Both the BEV and hybrid battery production efforts underscore Suzuki’s commitment to sustainable green mobility, aligning with India’s ambitious goals to reduce vehicle emissions and foster cleaner transportation alternatives.
- Global Reach: With the e VITARA destined for over 100 countries, this project reinforces Suzuki’s strategy to expand its electric vehicle presence globally while leveraging its Indian manufacturing capabilities.
