Maruti Suzuki has started surveying its dealership network for charging stations
Maruti Suzuki India is gearing up for the launch of its first electric vehicle, the eVX, in January 2025. To support this transition into the electric vehicle market, the automaker plans to set up around 25,000 EV charging points across the country. The move is part of a broader strategy to address concerns about charging infrastructure, which has been a significant hurdle in EV adoption in India.
Building a Robust Charging Ecosystem
In an effort to create a seamless charging experience for its customers, Maruti Suzuki will tap into its extensive network of over 5,100 service centres across 2,300 cities. The company is also in advanced talks with oil marketing companies and power companies to set up charging stations.
They have started surveying their dealer workshops for charging points and the target is to have at least one dedicated bay and two charging points at each service centre. Maruti has also started training its mechanics in Bengaluru to ensure that they are well-equipped to service electric vehicles.
Discussions with OMCs such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum are reportedly underway to reserve space for EV charging stations at retail fuel outlets. Collectively, these companies operate over 81,000 retail outlets in India, giving Maruti the opportunity to significantly expand its charging infrastructure.
Gearing up for the launch of Maruti eVX
Expected to be priced between Rs. 20-25 lakhs (ex-showroom), the eVX mid-size SUV is expected to sell around 3000 units in the first three months of launch. The vehicle will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant and will be available at its premium Nexa stores.
This SUV is just the beginning for Maruti Suzuki as the company plans to introduce as many as six new electric models in the next six to seven years. Hisashi Takeuchi, CEO, Maruti Suzuki, emphasised that the company is focused on addressing the challenges associated with EV ownership. “We will create a range of solutions for our EV customers to remove their worries about owning an EV,” Takeuchi said at the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Addressing the main challenges in the electric vehicle market
The push for charging infrastructure comes at a critical time. Despite growing interest, EV sales in India have recently fallen, with August marking an eight-month low of 6,335 units sold, down 10% year-on-year. Challenges such as range anxiety, high upfront costs and a lack of reliable charging infrastructure have been cited as factors in the decline.
Maruti Suzuki’s approach mirrors that of other automakers. For example, India’s EV market leader Tata Motors has installed 5,600 public charging points, while its sister company Tata Power has installed over 100,000 residential charging stations. By focusing on building a robust network before the launch of the first EV, Maruti aims to ease the transition for potential customers and ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support long-term EV growth.
A step towards sustainable mobility
As India continues its shift towards electric mobility, Maruti Suzuki’s initiative highlights the importance of a well-established charging network. The company’s large-scale plan to install 25,000 charging points is a significant step towards increasing customer confidence and addressing key barriers to EV adoption. With the eVX leading the charge, Maruti Suzuki is positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving EV market.