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Suzuki Moves Ahead with EV Plans in India

Suzuki Motor Corp will begin testing prototype electric cars in India next month as part of a previously announced plan to introduce EVs there by 2020 in conjunction with partner Toyota Motor Corp.
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Suzuki Motor Corp will begin testing prototype electric cars in India next month as part of a previously announced plan to introduce EVs there by 2020 in conjunction with partner Toyota Motor Corp.

The initial test fleet will include 50 EVs, according to CEO Osamu Suzuki. But for EVs to become viable in India, he says the country must establish a “well-developed” battery charging infrastructure.

Suzuki and Toyota agreed last year to make and sell EVs in India by 2020. Toyota will supply the necessary technology, while Suzuki will build and supply the EVs to both companies.

Suzuki, which controls half the Indian car market, aims to hike annual sales there from about 1.7 million units currently to 5 million by 2030. The plan includes electrified vehicles and alternative fuel models that run compressed natural gas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of raising EVs to 30% of vehicles on the road in India by 2030. But the country had to delay initial rollout targets earlier this year due to the lack of charging facilities.

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