India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, has climbed to become the country’s fourth-largest electric passenger vehicle manufacturer within months of launching deliveries of its first electric SUV, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.
Industry data showed that Maruti Suzuki sold 4,365 electric vehicles between January and May 2026, allowing it to overtake several established EV brands despite having only a single electric model in its portfolio.
The company moved ahead of VinFast, which sold 4,133 units during the same period, as well as BYD, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation, India Today reported.
The Indian electric passenger vehicle market continues to be led by Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, while JSW MG Motor India holds the third position.
The strong performance is largely attributed to the growing popularity of the e Vitara, which has benefited from Maruti Suzuki’s extensive dealership network, service infrastructure and strong brand recognition across the country. The achievement is particularly significant because rival manufacturers offer multiple electric vehicles, while Maruti Suzuki’s EV sales currently come from a single model.
The broader Indian EV market is also witnessing rapid growth. Passenger EV registrations rose 77 per cent year-on-year to 52,274 units during April and May 2026, while electric vehicle penetration reached 6.4 per cent in May. Industry observers attribute the growth to increasing consumer acceptance, higher fuel prices, improving charging infrastructure and a wider range of EV options.
Beyond the domestic market, the e Vitara has emerged as an important export vehicle for Maruti Suzuki. Since exports began in September 2025, more than 35,000 units have been shipped to 46 international markets. The electric SUV is now the company’s third-largest export model after the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
The vehicle is also being produced at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat facility for Toyota’s international markets, where it is sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser eBella.
The e Vitara is powered by a compact 3-in-1 electric powertrain that integrates the motor, inverter and transmission into a single unit. Customers can choose between a 49kWh battery pack producing 144 bhp and a claimed range of 440 km, and a 61kWh battery pack generating 174 bhp with a claimed driving range of more than 543 km.
With strong early demand for the e Vitara, Maruti Suzuki has quickly established itself as a major player in India’s expanding electric vehicle market despite entering the segment later than many competitors.
