Maruti Suzuki may introduce hybrid technology across its range

While Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch the Ciaz hybrid for the Indian market, the manufacturer might also introduce this hybrid technology in more cars from their portfolio. After the Ciaz, the Ertiga facelift might be launched in a hybrid variant at the onset of the festive season.

The SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) technology might be then installed in the S-cross, upcoming Baleno, Swift Dzire and the Swift as well. According to reports, this system will be installed in cars powered by the 1.3-litre DDiS diesel mill. These hybrid cars will be equipped with an integrated starter generator (ISG) powered by a larger capacity battery. This lithium ion battery gets charged through regenerative braking and the system also features a start-stop technology, which helps in improving the vehicle's fuel economy. The SHVS system converts the kinetic energy of the rolling wheels into electricity for charging up the battery thus achieving efficient power regeneration. The start-stop feature stops the engine when the car halts and starts it when the clutch is released. This will eventually lead to less fuel consumption.

The ARAI-certified fuel economy of the Ciaz is 26.21kmpl, which with the help of the SHVS system will better it to 28kmpl. Similarly we can expect the Ertiga facelift to also deliver around 23kmpl as it currently has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 20.77kmpl.

The SHVS technology is imported by the manufacturer, so we can expect the hybrid versions to be expensive than the standard cars. However, prospective buyers of such hybrid vehicles will anyway be benefitted from the incentives offered by the government on hybrid and electric vehicles under the FAME India scheme. So buyers might not feel the pinch to pay a slight premium for a car that delivers a better fuel efficiency than the regular version.