Maruti Suzuki Swift Hybrid might be launched in India

The government of India recently announced the incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles under the Fame India Scheme. Once Maruti Suzuki gets a clarity about these incentives, they might launch hybrid vehicles in India and the Swift Range Extender might be the first model to be launched.

The Swift Range Extender is the hybrid model of the Swift. It was initially being developed for a pilot project that was to be supplied to the Government of India. However, with the new schemes in place, the manufacturer might launch it for the masses as well. The Swift Range Extender takes 1.5 hours to completely charge the lithium-ion battery through a 200V socket and weighs 1,600kg. An infotainment system, remote keyless entry, push start/stop button and rear disc brakes are standard features in this car.

The hatchback is powered by a 658cc, three-cylinder petrol engine that comes mated to a permanent magnet synchronous motor. In combination, they help the vehicle to attain a fuel economy of 48.2kmpl. Though the powerplant is small in cubic capacity, it outputs 73bhp which is good enough for a small car with such good fuel efficiency. The electric driving range of the vehicle is about 25.5kms.

The Swift Range Extender is available in three different variants - series hybrid, parallel hybrid and all-electric. In the series hybrid trim, the petrol engine works as a generator to power the lithium-ion battery, which in return powers the electric motor. Here the petrol mill indirectly assists in generating electricity to power the electric motor. In parallel hybrid mode, the petrol engine and the electric motor in combination send power to the wheels.

CV Raman, executive director (engineering), Maruti Suzuki, said, "The company would develop their hybrid models commercially only after getting further clarity on key aspects, including technology development fund, charging infrastructure and demand incentive."

Energy crisis and increasing pollution are some of the problems the world is facing today which should be dealt with by making eco-friendly products. It is a good initiative that manufacturers are taking by introducing environment friendly products. Let us hope more manufacturers consider bringing more hybrid vehicles to our country.

Source: NDTVAuto