Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and flagged off auto giant Maruti Suzuki's first global electric vehicle, e-Vitara, which will be exported to more than 100 countries, including Japan.

With the launch of the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), India now serves as Suzuki’s global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

Modi inaugurated the vehicle at Suzuki Motor plant in Hansalpur, Ahmedabad.

India's battery ecosystem

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the next phase of India’s battery ecosystem with the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat.

The plant, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki, will boost domestic manufacturing and clean energy innovation.

This development ensures that more than eighty per cent of the battery value will now be manufactured within India.

Modi said the inauguration of the vehicle marked a significant leap towards the shared goal of “Make in India, Make for the World.”

Recalling that the seeds of India’s success story were sown 12–13 years ago, Shri Modi said that in 2012, during his tenure as Chief Minister, land was allotted to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur.

He emphasized that even at that time, the vision was of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

He remarked that those early efforts are now playing a significant role in fulfilling the nation’s current resolutions.

  “India possesses the strength of democracy and the advantage of demography; India also has a vast pool of skilled workforce, creating a win-win situation for every partner,” said Modi.

He pointed out that Suzuki Japan is manufacturing in India, and the vehicles produced here are being exported back to Japan.

The Prime Minister remarked that this reflects not only the strength of India-Japan relations but also the growing trust of global companies in India.

 stated that companies like Maruti Suzuki have effectively become brand ambassadors of Make in India.

Prime Minister announced that he will be visiting Japan next week,  emphasising that the relationship between India and Japan goes far beyond diplomatic ties—it is rooted in culture and mutual trust.

He remarked that both nations see their own progress in each other’s development.

Modi inaugurated the initiatives at a time when the country is awaiting US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs to become effective.

Ahead of the inauguration, Modi wrote on X: "Today is a special day in India’s quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility. At the programme in Hansalpur, e-VITARA will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations. In a big boost to our battery ecosystem, production of hybrid battery electrodes will also commence at a plant in Gujarat."

Specific features of e-Vitara

e-VitaraA is built on an All-New electric vehicle (EV) platform, HEARTECT-e for superior performance. 

Based on the concept of an “Emotional Versatile Cruiser”, the vehicle, the company claims, blends a spirit of HiTech and Adventure with Bold & Masculine SUV styling, featuring R18 (18”) aerodynamic alloy wheels.

Battery Options: 49kWh and 61kWh, Freedom to drive more than 500 km1 on a single charge. 

Futuristic Design

Integrated Display System along with Twin-Deck Floating Console creates a premium and sophisticated ‘Digital Cockpit Experience’

Best-in-its-segment 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, sliding & reclining rear seats.

Premium sound experience - ‘Infinity by Harman’. 

Advanced Technology for Safety

7 Airbags (including driver side knee airbag) as standard across the range and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

Next-Gen Suzuki Connect with over 60 features.

Advance Structural Design with energy absorbing battery pack mounting structure for enhanced safety.