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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, is reportedly facing a significant roadblock ahead of the launch of its first-ever electric vehicle, the eVX. According to recent reports, the company has been forced to drastically scale back its initial production targets for the electric SUV by nearly 66%, or two-thirds, due to a global crisis in the supply of critical raw materials.

The initial plan was to manufacture approximately 75,000 units of the eVX in its first year. However, this target has now been revised down to just 25,000 units, signaling potential delays or a very limited initial rollout of the highly anticipated vehicle.

The primary reason for this dramatic cutback is the ongoing volatility and scarcity in the market for rare earth elements. These materials, including neodymium, are essential components in the high-efficiency permanent magnets used in the electric motors that power EVs. The global supply chain for these elements is overwhelmingly dominated by China, creating a significant vulnerability for automakers worldwide. Any disruption or export control from China can have a cascading effect on the entire EV industry.

This production adjustment is a major hurdle for Maruti Suzuki, which has been preparing to make a grand entry into the competitive EV space. The eVX is a global model, slated to be manufactured at the company’s plant in Gujarat for both the Indian market and for export to regions like Europe, where it will be sold as the Suzuki e-Vitara.

The situation underscores the fragile nature of the global EV supply chain and highlights the immense challenges automakers face in transitioning to electric mobility. For India’s “Make in India” initiative and its broader EV goals, this reliance on a single source for critical components poses a strategic risk that could temper the pace of the green transport revolution.

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