Suzuki is positioning its Indian operations as an export hub for electric vehicles (EVs), with plans to export EVs manufactured in India to Japan by as early as 2025.

As reported by Nikkei Asia, Suzuki’s choice of India as its initial EV production hub stems from the substantial potential of the domestic market and the advantages of lower manufacturing costs.

To facilitate EV production, Maruti Suzuki will establish a new production line in the western state of Gujarat, with production set to commence in the fall of 2024. In a strategic move to establish India as its global electric car manufacturing hub, Suzuki is also exploring the possibility of supplying EVs manufactured in India to its partner, Toyota Motor, for distribution in European markets, according to Nikkei

The upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX, built on a dedicated EV platform developed in collaboration with Toyota, is expected to feature a 60kWh battery pack providing a maximum range of approximately 550 km. To maintain competitive pricing, the eVX will undergo significant localization, including the use of locally sourced batteries for the electric SUV.

Last year, the Japanese carmaker disclosed a substantial investment of Rs 10,440 crore in India for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and battery electric vehicle (BEV) batteries.