Maruti Suzuki India announced on Tuesday the launch of a comprehensive training programme across 130

(ITIs) in 24 states and four Union Territories to equip technicians with the skills to handle high voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles.

For the initiative, the carmaker will invest ₹3.9 crore to address concerns about after-sales support and accelerate EV adoption.

The training programme will train over 4,100 students annually. It addresses a growing industry need for a skilled workforce as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles increases.

"We want to maximise adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the country. When we researched the reasons for low adoption of EVs, one of the major hurdles in the minds of the customers was confidence in after-sales support," said MSI Senior Executive Officer Corporate Affairs Rahul Bharti said.

MSI is planning to launch its first EV, the e Vitara, in September this year. The company anticipates that the majority of the first year's production will be allocated to overseas markets.

The company already offers models incorporating strong hybrid technology.