New Delhi: In a transformative step toward sustainable development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of green mobility initiatives at the Suzuki Motor plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat, on August 26, 2025. Held amidst the festive spirit of Ganeshotsav, the event marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and its ambition to lead globally in clean energy transportation. The key highlights were the flag-off of the “e VITARA,” Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) set for export to over 100 countries, and the launch of local hybrid battery electrode production at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, ensuring over 80% of battery value is manufactured domestically.
Announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi at 1:23 PM on August 26, 2025, these initiatives embody the ethos of “Make in India, Make for the World.” Addressing the gathering, PM Modi declared that Indian-made electric vehicles will now reach advanced markets like Japan and Europe, positioning India as Suzuki’s global EV manufacturing hub. The event also strengthened the India-Japan partnership, with the Prime Minister extending congratulations to both nations and Suzuki Motor Corporation.
e VITARA: India’s Global EV Breakthrough
The centerpiece of the event was the inauguration and flag-off of the “e VITARA,” Suzuki’s first global strategic BEV produced entirely in India. Set to be exported to over 100 countries, including Japan and European nations, the e VITARA establishes India as a key player in the global EV market. “The world will drive EVs that say… Made in India!” PM Modi proclaimed, emphasizing the pride in seeing Indian vehicles on global roads.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) like the e VITARA run solely on a battery-powered electric drivetrain, chargeable via the electricity grid. Their core components include an electric motor, inverter, battery, control module, and drivetrain, with power converted from DC to AC to drive the motor. Building on Maruti Suzuki’s legacy as India’s largest car exporter for four consecutive years, the e VITARA’s export launch marks a significant scale-up in India’s EV ambitions.
Local Battery Production Strengthens Self-Reliance
In a parallel milestone, PM Modi inaugurated hybrid battery electrode production at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki (TDS). This marks the first time three Japanese companies are manufacturing battery cells in India, with over 80% of the battery’s value now produced locally. This development reduces India’s dependence on imported batteries, which were standard until recently.
Recalling the 2017 foundation of the TDSG battery plant, PM Modi noted its role in bolstering India’s EV ecosystem. He emphasized that localizing battery cell and electrode production will accelerate the hybrid electric vehicle sector and enhance clean energy innovation. “This is a historic beginning,” he stated, extending best wishes for its success.
PM Modi’s Vision: A Clean Energy Future
Speaking to an audience including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Japan’s Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi, and Suzuki Motor Corporation officials, PM Modi described the event as a new chapter in the Make in India journey. He highlighted its role in deepening India-Japan ties, rooted in cultural affinity and mutual trust.
Reflecting on the origins, PM Modi noted that in 2012, as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he allocated land to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. These efforts are now yielding results, aligning with India’s industrial goals. Paying tribute to the late Osamu Suzuki, honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the Prime Minister expressed pride in the expansion of his vision for Maruti Suzuki India.
PM Modi underscored India’s strengths: the power of democracy, a youthful demographic, and a vast skilled workforce, creating a win-win for partners like Suzuki. He noted that Suzuki manufactures in India and exports to Japan, reflecting global trust in Indian capabilities. Maruti Suzuki, he said, is a brand ambassador for Make in India.
The Prime Minister emphasized that EVs are solutions to multiple challenges, not just alternatives. During his 2024 Singapore visit, he proposed converting old vehicles and ambulances into hybrid EVs. Maruti Suzuki developed a hybrid ambulance prototype in six months, which PM Modi reviewed. This aligns with the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, allocating funds for e-ambulances to reduce pollution and modernize transport.
Affirming clean energy and mobility as India’s future, PM Modi positioned India as a reliable hub amid global supply chain disruptions. He credited the 2014 Make in India campaign for fostering a manufacturer-friendly environment through industrial corridors, plug-and-play infrastructure, logistics parks, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. These have driven a 500% rise in electronics production, a 2,700% surge in mobile phone manufacturing since 2014, and over 200% growth in defence production.
PM Modi urged states to adopt pro-development policies and enhance ease of doing business, noting healthy competition among states benefits the nation. He highlighted Mission Manufacturing to drive excellence in futuristic industries, with the semiconductor sector advancing through six planned plants. To tackle auto industry challenges like rare earth magnet shortages, the National Critical Mineral Mission will conduct over 1,200 exploratory campaigns.
Ahead of his Japan visit next week, PM Modi described the India-Japan relationship as beyond diplomacy, rooted in culture and trust. He recalled Japan’s role in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 20 years ago and praised Gujarat’s hospitality, including Japanese-language industry rules, cuisine, and 7-8 new golf courses for Japanese guests. Universities now prioritize Japanese language education, strengthening people-to-people ties. He urged companies like Maruti Suzuki to promote youth exchanges.
Concluding, PM Modi expressed confidence that these efforts will build a developed India by 2047, with Japan as a trusted partner.
Overcoming EV Adoption Challenges
BEV adoption faces challenges: limited driving range, inadequate charging infrastructure, high upfront costs (batteries account for 40% of EV costs), lack of awareness, environmental concerns over battery waste, and grid stress from charging demand.
PM Modi outlined solutions: decoupling battery costs via leasing, creating blended funds for e-Trucks and e-Buses, scaling R&D for affordable, high-energy-density batteries with less reliance on imported minerals, and strategically expanding charging infrastructure after viability assessments.
Government Policies Driving Green Mobility
India’s green mobility push is backed by robust initiatives. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 promotes EV adoption and production. The PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLI-Auto) incentivizes manufacturing, while the PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage advances battery technology. The India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) by NITI Aayog tracks progress across States and Union Territories.
Social Media Engagement
The event gained traction on social media. PM Modi tweeted: “Made in India electric vehicles are now driving onto the global stage. It reflects our nation’s growing strength in green mobility.” The PMO India account posted: “Make in India, Make for the World,” “India has the power of democracy, the advantage of demography and a very large pool of skilled workforce,” and “The world will drive EVs that say… Made in India!” with visuals of the e VITARA, battery plant, and PM Modi’s address.
A Sustainable Future
The Hansalpur initiatives highlight India’s rise as a global green mobility hub, advancing Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The e VITARA positions India as Suzuki’s EV manufacturing center, while the TDS plant boosts clean energy innovation. As PM Modi prepares for his Japan visit, these milestones promise deeper collaboration, reinforcing India’s role in global sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of the “e VITARA” launched by PM Narendra Modi in Hansalpur, Gujarat?
The “e VITARA” is Suzuki’s first Made-in-India global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), inaugurated on August 26, 2025, in Hansalpur, Gujarat. It marks India’s emergence as Suzuki’s global EV manufacturing hub, with exports to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe. This aligns with the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision, boosting India’s role in sustainable transportation.
2. What is the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, and why is its inauguration important?
The TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki, began local production of hybrid battery electrodes in Gujarat on August 26, 2025. This ensures over 80% of battery value is manufactured in India, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the EV ecosystem. It supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing domestic clean energy innovation.
3. What challenges do Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) face in India, and how are they being addressed?
BEVs face challenges like limited driving range, inadequate charging infrastructure, high upfront costs (batteries account for 40% of costs), lack of awareness, environmental concerns over battery waste, and grid stress from charging demand. Solutions include battery leasing, blended funds for e-Trucks and e-Buses, scaled R&D for affordable batteries, and strategic charging infrastructure expansion.
4. How do government initiatives support India’s green mobility goals?
India’s green mobility is driven by policies like the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 for EV adoption, the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Component Industry (PLI-Auto), the PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, and the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) by NITI Aayog to track progress across states.
5. How does the Hansalpur event strengthen the India-Japan partnership?
The Hansalpur initiatives, including the e VITARA and TDS plant, deepen India-Japan ties through collaborative manufacturing and cultural affinity. PM Modi highlighted Japan’s role in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Gujarat’s hospitality (e.g., Japanese-language rules, cuisine, golf courses), and growing Japanese language education in India, fostering mutual trust and youth exchanges.
