Maruti Suzuki to Launch New Affordable Hybrid Cars, 4 EVs

With an aim to strengthen its market position, Maruti Suzuki has revealed a comprehensive strategy that incldues product portfolio expansion by FY2030-31, EV initiatives (including 4 BEVs), export growth, manufacturing capacity expansion and establishing charging infrastructure development. The Indo-Japanese automaker is also focusing on greener solutions including CNG vehicles, hybrid technology and bi-fuel options. In coming years, we will witness several new affordable hybrid and electric cars from Maruti Suzuki. Let’s take a closer look at key details of Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid and EV strategies.
 

Maruti Suzuki Hybrid Cars
 

Maruti Suzuki is betting big on hybrid vehicles. The carmaker has confirmed that it is developing its own strong hybrid powertrain for its future mass-market models including the Swift, Baleno, Fronx and a small MPV based on the Suzuki Spacia. Unlike Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid system, Maruti will introduce an affordable series hybrid powertrain, which will essentially work as a range extender.
 

The reason behind choosing series hybrid technology is to reduce cost impact as the hybrid vehicles attract 43 percent GST, while EVs have only 5 percent GST. Furthermore, the series hybrid system has a petrol engine that works solely as a generator or range extender. The gasoline unit generates electricity to power an electric motor, which is turn drives the wheels. In series hybrid setup, there is no direct mechanical link between the petrol engine and wheels, making its design simpler. It also reduces the development and maintenance costs. It’s also more efficient for urban driving purpose.
 

Codenamed HEV, this strong hybrid technology will debut with the Fronx compact crossover this year. Reports suggest that the Maruti Fronx hybrid will be capable of returning a fuel efficiency of over 35kmpl. Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming hybrid cars will feature the brand’s new Z12E, 3-cylinder petrol engine, paired to an electric motor and a battery pack ranging between 1.5kWh – 2kWh.
 

Maruti Suzuki Electric Cars
 

The Indo-Japanese automaker recently confirmed four new BEVs (battery electric vehicles) for the Indian market, starting with the e Vitara. Earlier, the company had planned six BEVs under its previous growth strategy. The carmaker has also revised its long-term sales targets for India, reducing it from 3 million to 2.54 million units by financial year 2030. BEVs are likely to have 15 percent of this total figure.
 

The Maruti e Vitara will come with two battery pack options – 49kWh and 61kWh – sourced from BYD. Both versions will have single electric motor setup. The EV’s top-spec variant will deliver a claimed range of over 500km. The e Vitara will come with the AWD (all-wheel drive) system. The electric Vitara is likely to be followed by the Maruti Fronx EV in 2027. The electric iteration of the Ertiga launch is also in the pipeline, targeting family buyers and fleet operators. Rumour has it Maruti Suzuki might also introduce a Tata Tiago EV rival in future.

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