Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two major automobile projects in Gujarat, the Suzuki Motor Plant at Hansalpur and the first unit of the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara that rolled out from the new production line. He also inaugurated the country’s first plant to manufacture hybrid battery electrodes.

Maruti Suzuki’s battery unit is expected to increase foreign direct investment and encourage international trade through exports to other developing countries. The project also places India on the global stage in competition with countries like China, which currently produces more than three-fourths of the world’s electric vehicle batteries.

The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Ambassador of Japan, Keiichi Ono. During the ceremony, Toshihiro Suzuki said that the Hansalpur facility has a production capacity of up to 1 million units.

The new battery facility is expected to generate employment in the region and support the use of clean energy sources. It will also strengthen the 'Make in India' initiative launched by Prime Minister Modi and help India become self-sufficient in battery production. In addition, the project aligns with the Prime Minister’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, a commitment he made at COP26 in 2021.

NDTV reported that Prime Minister Modi said, "Made in India electric vehicles are now rolling onto the international scene. It's a testament to our nation's expanding strength in green mobility."

Earlier, Maruti Suzuki had announced its plan to become the largest electric carmaker in India within the first year of the e-Vitara’s launch. The electric SUV will have two battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh, with the larger battery offered in a dual motor AllGrip e All Wheel Drive configuration. Details about its variants, features, and launch timeline in India are expected to be announced soon.