Maruti Suzuki Smaller EVs Planned as Charging Network Expands

Maruti Suzuki Plans Smaller Electric Vehicles

Maruti Suzuki will add smaller electric vehicles to its portfolio once its EV charging infrastructure in India is ready, Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said at the company’s annual general meeting. The automaker entered India’s electric car market with the e Vitara, a mid-size SUV manufactured at its Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. Takeuchi indicated that smaller EVs would follow as charging availability improves, making infrastructure development a key condition for broadening the company’s electric lineup. The move places Maruti Suzuki alongside market leaders Tata Motors and JSW MG Motor, which already offer smaller electric cars in India, while reflecting the company’s broader strategy of expanding EVs without abandoning other powertrain technologies.

Maruti Suzuki’s EV Charging Infrastructure Plan

Maruti Suzuki’s EV charging strategy is central to its plans for a wider electric vehicle portfolio in India. Takeuchi said the company is targeting more than 100,000 charging points across India by the end of this decade and has partnered with 13 charge-point operators. The automaker has already established more than 2,000 exclusive charging points across more than 1,100 cities. It is also focusing on highways and expressways, with plans to install chargers at an average distance of 5-10 km at key locations across the top 100 cities. This network expansion is intended to improve charging access and support future adoption of smaller electric vehicles.

ICE, Hybrid and CNG Investment to Continue

The company’s EV expansion will continue alongside investment in internal-combustion engine vehicles, hybrids and CNG-related technologies. Takeuchi said ICE vehicles would remain a significant part of the business, while increasing use of compressed biogas is expected to support their continued role. “Hence, investment in ICE facilities will continue to be an integral part of our manufacturing process,” he said. Maruti Suzuki is also designing new manufacturing facilities for greater powertrain flexibility. “In our new plants, we can make EVs, hybrid vehicles, CLG and ICE vehicles on the same line,” Takeuchi said, allowing production capacity to respond to changes in demand rather than locking plants into one powertrain.

Maruti Suzuki’s EV Export Growth

Maruti Suzuki is also increasing its focus on electric vehicle exports as part of its international growth strategy. Takeuchi said the company exports vehicles to nearly 120 countries and shipped more than 440,000 vehicles last year, representing a 34% increase. “We have started our EV exports to Europe first. Now, we are the largest exporter of EVs from India, with about 90% share in total EV exports from India,” he said. Japan has become Maruti’s second-largest market, while trade agreements are expected to create opportunities to increase exports to the UK, Germany and France. Takeuchi expects exports to grow further and play a greater role in future business growth.

Flexible Manufacturing and Future Technology Development

Maruti Suzuki’s multi-powertrain strategy reflects its effort to respond to changing customer preferences while expanding production capacity. The company is building flexibility into its manufacturing plants from the design stage, enabling facilities to accommodate EVs, hybrids, CNG-related vehicles and ICE models on shared production lines. At the same time, Maruti Suzuki is working with Suzuki Motor Japan on future technologies and using digital technologies in vehicle design and development to increase the speed at which new products reach the market. The company is also engaging with startup companies to explore new product and manufacturing technologies, supporting its longer-term product development and production strategy.

Rs 77,500 Crore Capex and Future Plans

The automaker has planned capital expenditure of Rs 77,500 crore between FY2027 and FY2031 as it prepares for future product, manufacturing and technology requirements. The investment plan comes as Maruti Suzuki balances electric vehicle expansion with continued development of ICE, hybrid and CNG-related vehicles. Its charging infrastructure targets, flexible manufacturing approach, export ambitions and technology work together to support a broader transition rather than a single-powertrain strategy. The planned spending also provides a financial framework for expanding production capacity and developing future technologies as customer preferences evolve. Smaller EV launches therefore remain closely linked to the company’s infrastructure rollout and broader manufacturing flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Maruti Suzuki add smaller electric vehicles?
Maruti Suzuki plans to add smaller electric vehicles after charging infrastructure in India reaches a level the company considers ready for broader EV adoption. Managing Director and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said the company is targeting more than 100,000 charging points across India by the end of this decade and has already established more than 2,000 exclusive charging points across more than 1,100 cities. The company is also expanding EV exports, maintaining investment in ICE, hybrid and CNG-related vehicles, and designing flexible plants that can produce multiple powertrains on the same line.