Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading automaker, is preparing to install 25,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the country as part of its initiative to establish a comprehensive EV charging network. This effort comes in advance of the anticipated launch of its first electric vehicle, the Concept eVX, scheduled for January 2025.
Charging Network Development
In collaboration with oil marketing companies (OMCs), including a state-run enterprise, Maruti Suzuki is laying the groundwork for this extensive charging infrastructure. The company is also exploring the potential for installing charging points at its dealership service centers, aiming to have at least one charging bay equipped with two charging points at each location. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is investing in training service mechanics in Bengaluru to support this initiative.
Leading OMCs in India, such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), are already establishing thousands of EV charging stations throughout the country. IOCL has installed over 10,000 charging stations, while HPCL operates 3,050 chargers with plans to expand to 5,000 by December. BPCL currently runs more than 1,000 EV charging stations and aims to increase that number to approximately 7,000 by March 2025.
Ambitious Electric Vehicle Goals
Maruti Suzuki’s investment in an extensive EV charging network reflects its significant ambitions in the electric vehicle market. The company’s first model will be a small electric SUV, comparable in size to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Grand Vitara and closer to Suzuki’s ICE S-Cross. During the Q1 FY2025 earnings conference call, Chief Investor Relations Officer Rahul Bharti indicated that another model is expected to follow closely, with plans to launch one new model each year. The automaker aims to develop a lineup of six electric models by 2031.
Furthermore, Maruti Suzuki is targeting the sale of 3,000 units of its first EV within the first three months post-launch. The vehicle will be manufactured in Gujarat and will initially be exported to European markets and Japan before domestic sales commence.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
