Maruti Suzuki India has announced that it is gearing up to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) with a range of 500 km per charge in January of next year. The leading automaker made this announcement at the annual session of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in the national capital.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, mentioned that the company will introduce a high-specification EV with a 500 km range, powered by a 60-kilowatt-hour battery. The company also plans to export EVs to markets like Europe and Japan.
The upcoming mid-size SUV, expected to be named eVX, is estimated to be priced above Rs 15 lakh and will compete with rivals like Tata Curve EV and Mahindra & Mahindra’s Born EV lineup. Maruti Suzuki India aims to provide a complete ecosystem for EV customers to address concerns such as range anxiety and lack of infrastructure. The company will leverage its network for after-sales support.
R.C. Bhargava, Chairman of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized the importance of encouraging customers to opt for cars with strong hybrid technology, CNG, ethanol, and biogas to promote sustainable mobility. The domestic automotive industry has shown significant growth potential, with projections to reach $1.6 trillion by 2047, driven by EV adoption.
In other news, Google is reportedly testing a new “Google One Lite” plan for Android users, offering expanded storage and additional perks. The plan is currently available to a limited number of users.
These developments reflect the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility and advancements in technology.