Maruti Suzuki to Establish 25,000 EV Charging Stations Ahead of Concept eVX Electric SUV Launch

As part of its preparation for the upcoming launch of its first electric vehicle (EV), Concept eVX, Maruti Suzuki India is gearing up to set up 25,000 EV charging stations across the country, according to a recent report by The Economic Times. The automaker is making strategic moves to establish a robust EV charging infrastructure to support the country’s electric mobility aspirations.

Maruti Suzuki’s Focus on Charging Infrastructure for eVX Launch

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest automaker, is leveraging its extensive network of 5,100 service centres in 2,300 cities to support the charging needs of electric vehicles. With the absence of a comprehensive charging ecosystem being a major obstacle in India's transition to electric mobility, Maruti is taking proactive steps to address this challenge. The company is in talks with oil marketing companies and energy firms to develop a reliable and widespread charging network.

The report cites a source who stated, “They (Maruti) have started surveying their dealer workshops for charging points. The plan is to have at least one dedicated bay and two charge points at its service centres. The company has already started training service mechanics in Bengaluru.”

Collaboration with Oil Companies to Expand Charging Network

In an effort to expand its EV charging infrastructure, Maruti Suzuki is collaborating with oil marketing companies to reserve space for charging stations and service centres at their retail locations. By working closely with these companies, Maruti aims to secure prime locations for its EV charging stations, ensuring widespread availability and convenience for its customers.

Maruti Suzuki Managing Director Hisashi Takeuchi recently spoke at the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi. He emphasized the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive after-sales support for EV owners: “We will come up with a range of solutions for our EV customers to remove their concerns about owning an EV. We will use the strength of our network to give confidence to the customers for after-sale support.”

eVX – Maruti’s First Electric SUV to Enter Premium Market

The Concept eVX, a midsize electric SUV, is the first of six electric vehicles that Maruti Suzuki plans to roll out over the next 6-7 years. The eVX is expected to be priced between Rs 20-25 lakh and the company has set a target of selling 3,000 units within the first three months of its launch. The SUV will be manufactured at Maruti’s Gujarat plant and will be sold through its Nexa premium outlets.

The launch of the eVX will mark Maruti’s entry into India’s growing electric vehicle market, a segment that has witnessed both challenges and opportunities. The company’s pricing strategy and extensive service network are expected to help it compete in a market that is currently dominated by brands like Tata Motors.

Challenges in India's Electric Vehicle Market

India’s electric vehicle market has encountered several roadblocks, including limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high upfront costs for EVs. According to data from the Vahan portal, August 2024 saw a 10% decline in EV sales year-on-year, with only 6,335 units sold during the month. These challenges continue to slow down the adoption of electric vehicles, making it imperative for automakers to address the infrastructure gap.

Despite these hurdles, Tata Motors, India’s leading EV manufacturer, has managed to build a strong presence with five electric models in the market. Tata has already established 5,600 public charging stations and Tata Power Renewable Energy has installed 101,924 home charging points.

Maruti Suzuki’s Strategic Vision for Electric Mobility

By setting up 25,000 charging stations, Maruti Suzuki aims to provide a seamless EV ownership experience, reducing range anxiety and encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles. The automaker’s collaboration with oil companies and investment in service centres will strengthen its position in the EV market, especially as it launches the Concept eVX and other upcoming models.

The company's comprehensive approach, from building charging infrastructure to pricing its vehicles competitively, demonstrates its commitment to leading the electric mobility transformation in India.