Quick Highlights:
- Dedicated EV ‘Production D’ line to go live by July at Maruti’s Gujarat plant.
- 2.5 lakh-unit annual capacity addition, taking total plant capacity to 10 lakh units per annum.
- New line to exclusively manufacture eVitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella and future EVs.
- Move aims to ease supply bottlenecks amid record sales and rising EV demand.
Maruti to Roll Out Dedicated EV Line at Gujarat Plant by July
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is gearing up to strengthen its electric vehicle strategy with the commissioning of a dedicated EV production line at its Gujarat facility by July. The move comes as the automaker balances surging domestic demand, record exports, and its long-term electrification roadmap.
Internally named the ‘Production D’ line, the new facility will add 2.5 lakh units per annum to the plant’s output. Once operational, the Gujarat plant’s total annual capacity will rise from 7.5 lakh units to 10 lakh units.
From my perspective, this feels like a calculated but necessary step. Maruti may have entered the EV race later than rivals, but it is clearly building scale before going aggressive.
Why the New EV Line Is Critical
Currently, at the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat, one production line manufactures both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. Models such as the Fronx share assembly space with electric offerings like the eVitara and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.
This mixed usage, while efficient initially, has led to bottlenecks — especially as the Fronx continues to witness strong demand and long waiting periods.
The new Production D line will be exclusively dedicated to EV manufacturing, freeing up shared capacity and streamlining operations. The company expects smoother production flow for both ICE and EV models after July.
Rising Demand Puts Pressure on Capacity
The capacity expansion comes amid unprecedented demand momentum.
In January, Maruti recorded total wholesales of 2,36,962 units, marking an 11.6% year-on-year increase and the highest monthly dispatch in the company’s history.
- Domestic wholesales: 1,78,300 units
- Exports: 51,020 units (up over 88% YoY)
Booking growth in January 2026 was nearly 25% higher than last year, with pending bookings touching 1.75 lakh units — significantly above the brand’s typical one-month backlog.
Dealer stock in transit stands at just 6-7 days, reflecting lean inventory and sustained demand pressure.
Personally, I see this as a positive sign for the company’s EV ambitions. A strong export base combined with robust domestic traction gives Maruti the volume cushion needed to scale electric vehicles confidently.
Focus on Low Waiting Periods
One of Maruti’s long-standing strengths has been relatively low waiting periods. However, rising bookings and stretched production lines have started testing that advantage.
Senior management has acknowledged temporary capacity constraints but indicated that the situation will stabilise once the new line becomes operational in July. The company aims to maintain its reputation for quicker deliveries even as it expands its EV portfolio.
Bigger Expansion Plans in Gujarat
Beyond the Production D line, Maruti is also building a second plant at Khoraj in Gujarat, which will add another 10 lakh units per annum of capacity in the coming years.
This clearly signals that the automaker is not just experimenting with EVs but preparing for scale — both in India and export markets.
What This Means for Maruti’s EV Strategy
Maruti’s approach appears methodical rather than aggressive. Instead of launching multiple EVs simultaneously, it is first ensuring manufacturing readiness and supply chain stability.
The dedicated EV line:
- Eliminates ICE–EV production overlap
- Improves operational efficiency
- Strengthens export capability
- Prepares the company for future joint EVs with Toyota
While some may argue that Maruti is late to electrification, I believe capacity-backed execution could prove more sustainable in the long run.
If the rollout goes as planned, July could mark a significant turning point in Maruti’s EV journey — one built not just on ambition, but on manufacturing muscle.
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Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. When will Maruti’s dedicated EV production line start operations?
- The new Production D line at the Gujarat plant is expected to become operational by July 2026.
Q. What is the capacity of the new EV production line?
- The line will have an annual production capacity of 2.5 lakh units.
Q. Which vehicles will be manufactured on the new line?
- The facility will produce the eVitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, and future EV models under the Maruti–Toyota partnership.
Q. What will be the total capacity of the Gujarat plant after expansion?
- The plant’s capacity will increase from 7.5 lakh units to 10 lakh units per annum once the new line is operational.
Q. Why is Maruti adding a separate EV line?
- Currently, EVs and ICE models are produced on a shared line, creating bottlenecks. The dedicated EV line will improve efficiency, reduce waiting periods, and support rising domestic and export demand.
Q. Is Maruti expanding manufacturing beyond this line?
- Yes. The company is also developing a second plant in Gujarat that will add 10 lakh units per annum of additional capacity in the future.
