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

In anticipation of its first electric vehicle (EV) launch, the midsize SUV Concept eVX, Maruti Suzuki India is set to build around 25,000 EV charging stations across the country. This initiative is aimed at addressing a major challenge in India's transition to electric vehicles—limited charging infrastructure. According to The Economic Times, Maruti Suzuki is leveraging its extensive network of over 5,100 service centers in 2,300 cities to make this plan a reality.

The automaker is in discussions with oil marketing companies and energy firms to create a robust charging ecosystem. Lack of adequate infrastructure has long been a hurdle for EV adoption in India, but Maruti Suzuki's move is expected to accelerate the transition. A source cited in the report said that the company has begun surveying its dealer workshops to identify spaces for charging bays, with plans to install at least one dedicated bay and two charge points at each service center. In addition, the company has already started training mechanics in cities like Bengaluru to service EVs.

Maruti Suzuki has also approached oil marketing companies to secure space for EV charging and service stations at their retail outlets. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, recently spoke about the company’s commitment to supporting EV customers. "We will come up with a range of solutions for our EV customers to remove their concerns about owning an EV," Takeuchi stated at the 64th Annual Convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in New Delhi. He emphasized that Maruti's vast network would be crucial in building customer confidence through strong after-sales support.

The Concept eVX, expected to be priced between Rs 20-25 lakh, is set to be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki's Gujarat plant and sold through its premium Nexa outlets. The company aims to sell 3,000 units within the first three months of its release.

This aggressive push comes at a time when India’s EV market is facing challenges. In August 2024, EV sales dropped by 10% year-on-year, with only 6,335 units sold, according to data from the Vahan portal. Factors like limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and high initial costs have been cited as contributing to the decline in EV adoption.

However, Maruti Suzuki's efforts align with a broader trend among automakers to establish their own charging networks ahead of EV launches. Market leader Tata Motors, which currently offers five electric models, has already installed 5,600 public charging stations and over 101,924 home charging points through Tata Power Renewable Energy. Maruti Suzuki's upcoming infrastructure expansion is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EVs in India.