Maruti Suzuki India is gearing up for the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV), the eVX Electric SUV, in January 2025. In a major move to support this transition, the automaker plans to establish around 25,000 EV charging points across the country. This initiative is aimed at addressing the charging infrastructure gap, a key concern in EV adoption across India.
Table of Contents
Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure
To ensure a seamless charging experience for its EV customers, Maruti Suzuki will leverage its vast network of over 5100 service centres spread across 2300 cities. The company is also in talks with oil marketing companies (OMCs) and energy firms to install EV charging stations at various locations. These collaborations will play a crucial role in building a robust charging ecosystem.
- Service Centres: Maruti plans to equip each of its service centres with at least one dedicated charging bay and two charging points, ensuring a widespread charging network.
- OMC Partnerships: The company is in discussions with Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum to integrate EV charging stations at their fuel outlets, potentially tapping into a network of over 81,000 retail outlets across the country.
Maruti has already started surveying its dealer workshops for suitable locations to install charging points, and has begun training mechanics in cities like Bengaluru to prepare for servicing electric vehicles.
Preparing for the Maruti eVX Launch
The Maruti Suzuki eVX, a midsize electric SUV, is expected to be priced between Rs. 20-25 lakhs (ex-showroom) and will be launched through Maruti’s Nexa outlets. The SUV is expected to generate substantial demand, with projected sales of 3000 units within the first three months of its launch. The eVX will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant.
This is just the beginning of Maruti’s EV journey, as the company has plans to roll out up to six new electric models over the next six to seven years. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, emphasized the company’s focus on addressing the challenges associated with EV ownership and creating an ecosystem that makes EV adoption easier for consumers.
Tackling Key EV Challenges
Maruti’s aggressive push for charging infrastructure comes at a crucial time for India’s EV market. Despite rising interest in EVs, recent sales have experienced a slight decline. In August, EV sales dropped to an eight-month low of 6335 units, marking a 10% decrease compared to the previous year. This dip is largely due to range anxiety, high upfront costs, and a lack of reliable charging infrastructure.
By focusing on charging stations, Maruti Suzuki aims to tackle one of the key barriers to EV adoption. The company’s move mirrors the strategy of other industry players like Tata Motors, which has installed 5600 public charging points, and Tata Power, which has set up over 1,00,000 home charging stations.
Maruti Suzuki’s EV Strategy
Maruti Suzuki’s large-scale plan to set up 25,000 charging points will significantly bolster India’s charging infrastructure, reducing range anxiety and boosting customer confidence. With the launch of the eVX SUV and the company’s subsequent EV models, Maruti Suzuki is positioning itself as a key player in the electric mobility market. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to making EV ownership more accessible and practical for Indian consumers.
Key Highlights of Maruti Suzuki’s Charging Network Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date of eVX SUV | January 2025 |
| Number of Charging Points | 25,000 |
| Targeted Price of eVX | Rs. 20-25 lakhs (ex-showroom) |
| Service Centres Coverage | Over 5100 centres in 2300 cities |
| Partnerships | Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum |
| EV Production Plant | Gujarat |
| Expected Initial Sales | 3000 units in first 3 months |
Final Thoughts
Maruti Suzuki’s plan to establish 25,000 charging points ahead of its eVX launch marks a pivotal step toward creating a more EV-friendly infrastructure in India. By collaborating with OMCs and leveraging its extensive service network, the automaker is set to ease the transition to electric mobility. With a strong focus on customer experience and charging convenience, Maruti Suzuki is positioning itself as a leading player in India’s evolving EV market.
