Ahead of the launch of its first electric vehicle, a midsize SUV named Concept eVX, Maruti Suzuki India plans to establish around 25,000 EV charging stations, as reported by The Economic Times.
The automaker aims to utilize its network of over 5,100 service centers across 2,300 cities and is in talks with oil marketing companies and energy firms to create a strong charging infrastructure. The lack of such facilities has been a significant barrier to the country’s shift to electric vehicles.
According to a source, Maruti has begun surveying its dealer workshops for potential charging points, with plans to have at least one dedicated bay and two charging stations at each service center. The company has also started training service mechanics in Bengaluru. Insiders at oil marketing firms revealed that Maruti has approached them to secure space for EV charging and service stations at their retail locations.
Maruti Suzuki Managing Director Hisashi Takeuchi stated last week, “We will provide a range of solutions for our EV customers to address their concerns about owning an EV.” He emphasized the importance of their network in instilling confidence in customers regarding after-sales support during the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi.
Also Read: Revolt RV1 Commuter Electric Bike Launched at Rs 85,000, Offers Up to 160 km Range
The eVX is expected to be priced between ₹20-25 lakh, with a target of selling 3,000 units within the first three months after launch. The electric SUV will be manufactured at the Gujarat plant and sold through premium Nexa outlets.
This initiative comes as India’s electric vehicle market faces challenges, with August EV sales declining 10% year-on-year to 6,335 units, according to data from the Vahan portal. Factors such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high upfront costs are contributing to this downturn.
It is common for automakers to build charging infrastructure prior to a significant EV launch, often expanding through partnerships. For example, Tata Motors, the market leader in EVs, has set up 5,600 public charging stations, while Tata Power Renewable Energy has installed over 101,924 home charging points.