Maruti Suzuki Swift Range Extender snapped on test

The Maruti Suzuki Swift Range Extender is the hybrid model of the Swift. Two test mules of the car were spotted on test in Delhi recently.

The hybrid vehicle snapped on the test run hints that Maruti Suzuki is considering launching the car for the Indian market. It was initially being developed for a pilot project that was to be supplied to the Government of India. But now with the new incentives announced on electric and hybrid vehicles under the Fame India Scheme, the manufacturer might launch hybrid vehicles for the masses in India and the Swift Range Extender might be the first model to be introduced.

The Swift Range Extender is powered by a 658cc, three-cylinder petrol engine that is paired to a permanent magnet synchronous motor. In combination, they help the vehicle to attain a fuel economy of 48.2kmpl. Though this engine is small in cubic capacity, it is a potent powerplant with 73bhp output. The electric driving range of the vehicle is about 25.5kms and it takes 1.5 hours to completely charge the lithium-ion battery through a 200V socket and weighs 1,600kg. The standard features include an infotainment system, remote keyless entry, push start/stop button and rear disc brakes.

The Swift hybrid 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 engine indirectly assists in generating electricity to power the electric motor. In parallel hybrid mode, the petrol mill and the electric motor in combination send power to the wheels.

At present, it is pretty clear that the company would develop their hybrid models commercially only after getting further clarity from the Government on key aspects like technology development fund, charging infrastructure and demand incentive. We hope that such initiatives are given a good backing from the government so that carmakers think of bringing in more hybrid vehicles. Such eco-friendly products will definitely help in a state where energy crisis and increasing pollution are some of the crucial problems we are facing today.

Image Source: Gaadi