Quick Highlights:Maruti Suzuki plans phased localization of EV batteries and critical components over the next few years.The company will launch its first electric SUV, the e-Vitara, in India next year.Over 1,500 EV-enabled workshops and 1 lakh charging stations planned by 2030.Assured buyback and subscription schemes to boost EV resale confidence.Maruti Suzuki India Limited has outlined an aggressive long-term strategy to strengthen India’s electric vehicle ecosystem as it prepares to launch its first fully electric model, the e-Vitara, in the domestic market next year. The country’s largest carmaker is focusing on localization of batteries and critical EV components, expansion of charging infrastructure, enhanced after-sales support and resale assurance to build consumer confidence and accelerate EV adoption.Maruti Suzuki to Localize Battery Production and Key EV ComponentsMaruti Suzuki India plans to localize battery production and other critical EV components in a phased manner over the next few years. At present, the company relies on imported batteries, but localization is central to its long-term EV roadmap."Right now we are importing the batteries but yes we have a plan for localization. It is very much on the cards in a phased manner over the next few years," Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales) Partho Banerjee told reporters.The move is aimed at strengthening supply chains, reducing costs, and making electric vehicles more accessible to Indian buyers. Localization is also expected to support the government’s broader push for domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in advanced automotive technologies.e-Vitara Launch Marks Maruti Suzuki’s Entry into EV SegmentMaruti Suzuki will enter the Indian EV market with the launch of the e-Vitara next year. The company has already begun exporting the model and has shipped around 10,000 units to 26 international markets, signaling its confidence in the product.The automaker plans to introduce five electric vehicle models by FY30 , spanning multiple body styles, as part of its ambition to become a leader in India’s EV segment.Consumer Confidence Remains the Biggest Barrier to EV AdoptionAccording to Banerjee, EV adoption in India will grow meaningfully only when buyers are confident enough to use electric vehicles as their primary household car rather than a secondary vehicle."We believe that the customer is not confident (about EVs). The initial products that were launched, and the experiences from those, has created a huge amount of negativity in the minds of people regarding the driving range," he added.He noted that most EV buyers today use electric cars as secondary vehicles due to concerns around driving range and inadequate public charging infrastructure."It's not the primary car. Since public infrastructure is not there, the buyer doesn't want to take a chance. So if he wants to buy his first vehicle, it happens to be not in EV, but in ICE or some other vehicle," Banerjee said.Challenges Hindering EV Penetration in IndiaMaruti Suzuki has identified driving range anxiety, lack of public charging infrastructure, after-sales service challenges, and uncertain resale value as the biggest hurdles slowing EV adoption in India."We are trying to instill confidence in the customers before they acquire an EV. If the buyer is not confident about the entire ecosystem he will not buy an EV," Banerjee said.He also acknowledged that the EV industry is not growing at the same pace as internal combustion engine vehicles due to ecosystem gaps.Expansion of Charging Infrastructure and EV WorkshopsTo address infrastructure concerns, Maruti Suzuki is rapidly expanding its charging and service network. The company currently operates 2,000 charging points and plans to set up around 1 lakh charging stations by 2030 in partnership with dealer partners and charging point operators.In terms of after-sales support, the automaker will have 1,500 EV-enabled workshops across 1,100 cities nationwide. This extensive service footprint is aimed at ensuring reliable maintenance and repair support for EV customers.Assured Buyback and Subscription Schemes to Improve Resale ValueTo counter concerns around EV resale value, Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce innovative ownership models."For the resale value we are going to have an assured buyback scheme and subscription scheme as well," Banerjee said.These initiatives are designed to reduce ownership risk and improve long-term confidence among first-time EV buyers.EV Market Outlook and GST ImpactBy FY30, Maruti Suzuki expects the Indian automobile industry to reach 5.5–6 million units annually , with EV penetration projected at 13–15 percent . However, Banerjee noted that these estimates were made before GST 2.0 revisions."But this was before GST 2.0. So, we now have to reassess the market since there are reports that post GST 2.0, the penetration of EVs is going down. The ideal time to do it will be next FY," he stated.Focus on Building a Strong EV EcosystemBanerjee emphasized that original equipment manufacturers must prioritize product quality and ecosystem development to drive EV adoption."OEMs should first make the products good, have a good after sales service, and create a good ecosystem," he said, adding that this approach will ultimately build trust among consumers.With localization plans, infrastructure expansion and customer-centric ownership models, Maruti Suzuki aims to create a robust EV ecosystem in India , positioning itself for long-term leadership as the country transitions toward electric mobility.