Mahindra working on a 48-volt mild hybrid system

Mahindra and Mahindra is said to be working on a more powerful 48-volt mild hybrid system. The company currently uses a 12-volt mild hybrid system in its SUVs like the Scorpio and XUV 500.

The above information was revealed by the company's Managing Director, Mr. Pawan Goenka, who confirmed that the 48-volt mild hybrid technology is in the works and the company will continue development till it is ready to launch a product with the new technology. However, the decision to actually launch a product with the 48-volt Mild Hybrid system will only be taken if the government rethinks its taxes on hybrid vehicles.

Under the recently implemented GST taxation reforms, the applicable taxes on Hybrid vehicles in India have been increased from 30.3% to 43%. All hybrid vehicles have been placed under the highest tax slab of 28%, along with an additionally applicable cess of 15%. This has increased prices of all hybrid vehicles in the country, including mild hybrids like the Maruti Ciaz diesel and Maruti Ertiga diesel. Mr. Goenka too believes that with such high taxation, it will become difficult for carmakers to justify the high prices of mild hybrids.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system will use an additional battery unit and a starter-generator. This system converts the energy lost during braking into electricity, which is then used to charge the battery. This electric energy can be used for boosting engine performance and powering other electronic systems like water and fuel pumps, radiator fan and power steering racks. Mahindra claims that the mild hybrid system will boost fuel economy and aid vehicle's performance.

Source: Autocar India