Key highlights
- Maruti Suzuki ships 2,900 units of its first electric SUV, the e Vitara, to 12 European countries.
- The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s new HEARTECT-e EV platform and manufactured exclusively in Gujarat.
- Prime Minister Modi flags off production, calling Maruti Suzuki a brand ambassador of ‘Make in India’.
Maruti Suzuki has officially entered the global EV export game. The company shipped over 2,900 units of its first battery electric vehicle, the e Vitara, from Pipavav Port in Gujarat to 12 European countries including the UK, Germany, France, and Sweden. This marks a major milestone not just for the automaker, but for India’s ambitions to become a global EV manufacturing hub.
The e Vitara is built at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur facility in Gujarat, which now stands as the epicenter of Suzuki’s electric future. The SUV rides on the all-new HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for electric powertrains. It’s not a retrofit job—this is a ground-up EV meant to meet global standards in safety, performance, and design.
Production kicked off on August 26 with a high-profile ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He called Maruti Suzuki a brand ambassador of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. That’s not a small compliment, especially when the vehicle in question is headed to some of the most demanding automotive markets in Europe.
The e VITARA isn’t just a one-continent wonder. Maruti Suzuki plans to export it to over 100 countries while also launching it in the domestic market. It’s already made preview appearances in Milan and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. The company is aiming to produce 70,000 units in FY26, which is ambitious—but not unrealistic given the momentum.
What makes the e VITARA stand out?
It features a 3-in-1 electric drive system that integrates the motor, inverter, and transmission into a single unit. The SUV measures 4,275 mm in length with a 2,700 mm wheelbase, offering a balanced footprint for urban and highway driving.
Maruti Suzuki’s export-first strategy is a bold pivot. While most Indian automakers focus on domestic launches before testing international waters, this move flips the script. It’s a clear signal that India isn’t just making cars for itself anymore—it’s building vehicles that can compete globally.
