ELECTRIFYING INTENT

With the e VITARA leading the charge, Partho Banerjee of Maruti Suzuki outlines the brand's bold EV strategy — anchored in infrastructure, innovation, and India-first manufacturing

- By Kurt Morris

Motoring World (MW): Why is now the right time for Maruti Suzuki to enter the EV market, and what are your expectations from this segment?

Partho Banerjee (PB): Our customer research shows that charging infrastructure remains a key challenge for potential EV buyers. Therefore, we are establishing a comprehensive ecosystem with fast-charging infrastructure, EV-enabled service centres, and seamless after-sales support to enhance convenience for our customers.

According to our internal estimates, the Indian EV market is projected to grow tenfold over the next decade, and Maruti Suzuki aims to be a key player in this segment. Our fundamental objective is to make Battery Electric Vehicles inherently attractive by delivering an uncompromised ownership experience. This customer-centric approach will drive us to become the number one EV manufacturer within one year.

MW: How does the 'e For Me' ecosystem enhance the EV ownership experience for Maruti customers? How is Maruti Suzuki addressing charging infrastructure challenges to support EV adoption?

PB: The 'e For Me' ecosystem significantly enhances the EV ownership experience for Maruti customers through a thoughtfully curated approach. The 'e for me' logo itself embodies this philosophy, with its dual 'e' design representing both the e VITARA and Maruti Suzuki infrastructure (smaller 'e') alongside Mother Nature (larger ‘e’), representing a thoughtful fusion of symbolism and functionality.