India’s EV Leap: From Policy Push to Global Stage

By Sanjeev Oak

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first global EV – the e-Vitara – from Gujarat, it was more than a product launch. It symbolised India’s Atmanirbhar journey, global competitiveness, and its growing weight in the clean mobility revolution.

India’s electric vehicle (EV) dream, once viewed as an ambitious target, is now fast turning into an industrial reality. The launch of the e-Vitara—Suzuki’s first global battery electric vehicle, to be exported to over 100 nations—marks a historic pivot: India is not merely an EV market, it is emerging as a global EV manufacturing hub.

“This is not just about selling cars; it is about selling India’s capabilities to the world.”

Policy Backbone: FAME and PLI

The transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of sustained policy interventions—chief among them the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced chemistry cells and EVs.

• FAME-II allocated over ₹10,000 crore to boost EV adoption through subsidies, leading to the sale of over 16 lakh EVs since 2019.
• The PLI scheme earmarked ₹18,100 crore to attract investment in battery and EV manufacturing, creating a fertile ecosystem for global and domestic players.

These interventions have ensured India is not just assembling EVs but building integrated supply chains, from batteries to components.

Gujarat: India’s EV Nerve Centre

The e-Vitara’s rollout from Gujarat is no coincidence. The state has become India’s EV powerhouse, hosting Suzuki, Tata Motors, and a clutch of component manufacturers. With dedicated EV parks, tax breaks, and export infrastructure, Gujarat has created conditions where India-made EVs can directly compete in Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

“From being a follower in technology, India is now positioning itself as a first-mover in scale and exports.”

Exports: A Turning Point

Exporting to 100 countries is no small feat. For long, India’s auto exports were limited to two-wheelers and compact cars. With EVs, the narrative changes. By 2030, India is projected to export $30 billion worth of EVs and components, up from just $2 billion in 2024.

This shift addresses two strategic goals: reducing dependence on oil imports (which cost India $160 billion annually) and creating a clean-tech export base to counterbalance global supply chains dominated by China.

The Russian Oil Factor and Global Optics

While India’s discounted Russian oil purchases have strained relations with Washington, the EV revolution provides a counterbalance. A strong EV sector signals India’s commitment to clean energy transition, making it harder for critics to portray New Delhi as “oil-addicted.”

Moreover, it allows India to carve space as a responsible climate actor while continuing to safeguard its energy security.

Consumer Shift: The Domestic Surge

Domestically, India has seen a remarkable surge in EV adoption:

• EV sales crossed 1.5 million units in 2024, up 50% from 2023.
• Two-wheelers dominate (accounting for 60% of sales), but passenger EVs are growing fast, led by Tata, MG, and now Suzuki.
• Charging infrastructure has expanded to 12,000+ stations, up from just 900 in 2017.

This is not just urban India’s story. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are witnessing rapid EV penetration in smaller towns, driven by falling costs and rising fuel savings.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: From Importer to Exporter

The EV journey also highlights India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat thrust. Until recently, India was heavily dependent on imports of lithium-ion cells and key components. Today, thanks to the PLI-driven investments, battery gigafactories worth $9 billion are under construction across states.

This not only cuts import bills but also positions India to become a global supplier of EV batteries by 2030.

“What was once imported at high cost is now being exported at scale—this is Atmanirbhar Bharat in motion.”

Challenges Ahead

Of course, challenges remain.

• Battery raw material security, given dependence on lithium and cobalt imports.
• Need for faster roll-out of nationwide charging infrastructure.
• Ensuring cost competitiveness amid global price wars.

Yet, with sustained government backing and private sector investment, India’s EV ecosystem has the momentum to overcome these hurdles.

The Road Ahead

The e-Vitara launch is symbolic, but the larger story is structural: India is reshaping its economic identity from an oil-hungry nation to a clean-tech manufacturing powerhouse. If the trend continues, by 2030 India could leapfrog into the world’s top three EV markets and exporters, redefining its industrial future.

In that sense, the Gujarat flag-off was more than a photo-op. It was a statement: India is ready to lead in the green mobility race.

“India is no longer waiting for the future of mobility—it is building it, exporting it, and owning it.”