Government to get Maruti Suzuki Swift hybrids

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is believed to be gearing up to supply an undisclosed number of Swift hybrid hatchbacks to the Government of India. The supply is a part of a pilot project. Dubbed Range Extender, the Swift hybrid was displayed at Auto Expo 2014 by the company.

Range Extender hybrid uses a 658 cc, 3-cylinder, petrol engine, along with a 55 kW electric motor that is powered by a 5 kWh lithium ion battery. The battery takes about 90 minutes to charge fully, upon which, it is said to be able to give a range of 25.5 km. The car has a combined fuel economy of 48.2 km/l as per Maruti's internal test results. The battery, electrical motor and other components have been imported from Japan. The Range Extender weighs about 130 kg more than the petrol car.

The Range Extender is undergoing homologation at the moment and is expected to obtain ARAI certification soon. The dates for the supply of the cars are not known due to the upcoming elections. The company expects to have clarity regarding the situation in the first quarter of FY 2014-15.

Source: Autocar Professional