Government of India is planning to completely move to electric vehicles by 2030. Maruti’s parent company, Suzuki Motor has announced that it will make electric cars at its factory in Gujarat for India and the world. This will be a major boost to government’s plans to push to electric vehicles. Also Read – Maruti Swift Hybrid Spotted In India
Suzuki had showcased an all-electric version for Swift (called Swift REEV or Range Extender) in 2010. However, this model was never produced for commercial purpose. The Gujarat plant will start producing electric vehicles for commercial purpose. The Japanese automaker will also use India as a key global manufacturing base. In the presence of PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki said, “For the last 35 years, we have been working towards ‘Make in India’ with you all”.
Suzuki will also make a fresh 3,900 crore in Gujarat for a new plant at Hansalpur with a capacity of 2.5 lakh units. The company also aims to boost annual manufacturing capacity in Gujarat to 7.5 lakh units within the next couple of years. The new production line will have a production capacity of 2.5 lakh by 2019, while another line will follow thereafter.
The Japanese carmaker will also set up a lithium-ion battery factory that will charge electric, hybrid and other Maruti cars. Denso will provide technology, while Toshiba will chip in with cell modules. Together, the three companies will invest Rs 1,151 crore for the plant, which is scheduled to be operational by 2020. If reports are to be believed, the batteries will power Maruti and Suzuki’s electric vehicles.
Image Source – IAB
