Maruti Suzuki places big bet on first EV

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Maruti Suzuki has announced that its first electric vehicle (EV) will debut in 2026, marking a major shift in the company’s sustainability strategy. The automaker plans to grow its green vehicle portfolio — which includes hybrids, EVs, and CNG cars — to account for 45% of total domestic sales by 2030.

The first EV will be an SUV-style model produced at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and priced to compete in India’s cost-conscious market. It is expected to be revealed at Auto Expo 2025, and the company will leverage Toyota’s hybrid technologies as part of its broader electrification push.

This move comes as Maruti Suzuki seeks to defend its dominant 42% market share in India, while facing increased competition from Tata Motors, Hyundai, and MG, all of whom have already launched multiple EVs. The company, once cautious about electric transitions due to infrastructure and pricing concerns, now appears to be recalibrating in line with evolving consumer sentiment and government incentives.

Maruti’s strategy is also shaped by its “carbon neutrality” roadmap. Besides pure EVs, the company is aggressively expanding its hybrid and CNG offerings, believing that a multi-powertrain approach is key for India’s diverse market conditions. Executives highlighted that while EV adoption is growing in metros, a mix of technologies is needed to scale sustainable mobility across Tier 2 and 3 cities.

With this announcement, Maruti Suzuki signals its intent to no longer be a laggard in India’s EV race and instead position itself as a mainstream green mobility leader by the end of the decade.