Highlights: All About Maruti Suzuki's EV Assembly Line, Battery Plant, And More

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country's first-ever Lithium-ion battery pack production unit. This comes as a part of Maruti Suzuki's plan to manufacture batteries for its upcoming electric SUV - e-Vitara and hybrid offering - Grand Vitara, locally. Additionally, PM Modi also talked about the start of local manufacturing of the first Lithium-ion battery, cell & electrode for a strong hybrid electric vehicle at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), Maruti Suzuki's fellow subsidiary.

Local Manufacturing & Export Of e-Vitara

The day also marked PM Modi commemorating the commencement of Maruti Suzuki's first Battery Electric Vehicle, e-Vitara. The electric SUV will be exported to 100 countries from India, including markets like Japan and Europe.

Also Read: PM Modi Launches Maruti Suzuki's EV Making Plant: How It Will Shape The Brand's Future

The first batch of export-bound e-Vitara will be shipped from Pipavav port to the European region, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Austria, and Belgium.

Local Production Of Battery Cells At TDSG

In another major accomplishment, Maruti Suzuki's fellow subsidiary, TDSG, has become the first company in India to achieve electrode-level localisation of lithium-ion battery cells, making India self-reliant in battery manufacturing for hybrid electric vehicles. This electrode level (cathode + anode) localisation is one step towards increasing the proliferation of hybrid electric vehicles in the country. These lithium-ion batteries go into the hybrid system of the popular SUV model, the Grand Vitara.

Also Read: Suzuki To Invest Rs 70,000 Crore In India: Toshihiro Suzuki

TDSG Production Capacity, Investment, Expansion

Currently, the TSDG unit holds an annual production capacity of 18 million cells. Moreover, it is being developed at a total investment of Rs 4,267 crore. While the current production capacity doesn't sound timid at all, Maruti Suzuki is planning to boost it by another 12 million cells annually. 

Hansalpur Plant Capacity

The Hansalpur plant has the capacity to manufacture up to 7,50,000 vehicles each year across three production lines and was recently handed over to Maruti Suzuki from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Future Investment

Following the flag off of production, the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, Suzuki Motor Corporation's President Toshihiro Suzuki, in his speech, announced that the Japanese manufacturer will invest Rs 70 thousand crore in India over the next five to six years.

PM Modi: Make In India, Made For The World

In his speech, PM Modi mentioned, "This 'Make in India, Make for the World' is a big leap towards our goal. From today, Electric Vehicles made in Bharat will be exported to 100 countries. Along with this, hybrid battery electrode manufacturing is also starting today."

He added, "For the past 4 consecutive years, Maruti has been Bharat's largest car exporter. From today, EV exports will also begin on the same scale. Now, in dozens of countries around the world, the EVs running there will carry the mark-Made in India!"