By Maruti Suzuki showcased the eVX concept at the 2023 Auto Expo and it is going to be the first electric model of the company in India. The company is encountering challenges related to battery supply and software development, causing a postponement of approximately five months at the start of production (SOP). Initially scheduled for September 2024, the start of production for the Maruti eVX SUV is likely to be pushed back to February 2025 at the earliest. This delay also affects plans for international exports to Europe and Japan, which were slated for the end of 2024 but may now extend into the following year. Consequently, Toyota’s version of the eVX is also expected to experience delays.
The complexity of software development for electric powertrains, coupled with the need for constant updates and innovation, underscores the challenges Maruti Suzuki faces in ensuring a smooth product launch. However, the company remains committed to its long-term strategy of launching six electric vehicles in India by FY31, with electric vehicles projected to constitute 15 per cent of its total sales by the end of the decade. Following the eVX, Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce the YMC MPV and an EV hatchback based on the eWX concept showcased in 2023. Despite criticisms for its delayed entry into the EV market, Maruti Suzuki emphasizes its strategic approach of localizing parts and manufacturing in India for global operations.
Maruti Suzuki believes it is entering the EV market at an opportune time, with the market share for EVs projected to grow to 3-5 per cent. This coincides with the introduction of electric vehicles by competitors such as Hyundai and Mahindra. However, the company faces challenges in managing its extensive product portfolio and an overburdened R&D department, leading to anticipated delays of three to six months for some of its ICE models. Nonetheless, Maruti Suzuki remains optimistic about its prospects in the evolving automotive landscape as it navigates the complexities of transitioning to electric mobility.
