Explained: Why a Chinese Battery Is Used in a Made-in-India EV and How Safe It Is in Extreme Heat
India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has stepped into the electric vehicle market with its first EV, the Maruti Suzuki e‑Vitara. The company recently introduced the electric SUV with prices starting around ₹10.99 lakh under a battery subscription plan, while the cost increases by roughly ₹5 lakh when purchased with the battery pack.
One notable aspect of the vehicle is that the battery pack used in the e-Vitara comes from Chinese EV giant BYD. This has raised questions about why a “Made-in-India” electric car uses imported battery technology and how reliable it is in India’s harsh climate.
Why Maruti Suzuki Chose a Chinese BatteryFor decades, Maruti Suzuki has focused on local manufacturing, cost control, and building vehicles suited for Indian conditions. However, electric vehicles require highly advanced battery technology, which takes years of research, testing, and large-scale investment to develop.
Instead of spending years building battery technology from scratch, Maruti Suzuki opted to use BYD’s proven battery system. The Chinese automaker is among the global leaders in EV battery production and supplies advanced battery technology to multiple automakers.
By adopting a ready and tested battery solution, Maruti can enter the EV market faster while maintaining reliability and performance.
What Is Special About BYD’s Battery TechnologyThe e-Vitara uses BYD’s widely known Blade Battery technology based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. This battery design is considered safer and more durable compared with many conventional lithium-ion batteries.
The Blade Battery is designed to reduce the risk of overheating and fire. It also has a longer lifecycle and better resistance to physical damage. These qualities have made it one of the most widely discussed EV battery technologies globally.
India’s EV Battery Ecosystem Is Still DevelopingMaruti’s decision does not mean abandoning the “Make in India” approach. The reality is that India’s EV battery cell manufacturing ecosystem is still developing.
While the government has launched several policies to promote local battery manufacturing, large-scale and cost-competitive production is still in its early stages. At present, Chinese companies dominate many parts of the EV supply chain, particularly LFP battery technology. As a result, even major global carmakers often rely on Chinese battery suppliers.
How Safe Is the Battery in Heat?The battery pack in the e-Vitara comes in two capacity options—49 kWh and 61 kWh. It is engineered to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from –30°C to 60°C
The battery system has also undergone multiple safety tests, including protection against thermal runaway, a condition that can cause overheating in lithium batteries.
In addition, the SUV features strong structural protection. The body of the vehicle uses about 60 percent high-tensile steel and includes energy-absorbing battery mounts designed to reduce impact damage in case of a collision.
The battery pack is backed by an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty
With the launch of the e-Vitara, Maruti Suzuki is taking its first step into the rapidly growing EV market. By partnering with an established battery technology provider like BYD, the company aims to deliver a reliable electric vehicle while the domestic EV ecosystem continues to evolve.