Maruti Suzuki, the India's largest car-maker has now intends on catering to a new customer – The Indian Government. The hatchback rechristened as 'Swift Range Extender' is a plug-in hybrid version that was showcased at the Auto Expo event which was held in Delhi last month. Report received by Autocar Professional, said, “While the homologation process of the hybrid Swift is nearly completed, the team is expecting ARAI certification anytime now.”
Maruti Suzuki has not disclosed the exact number of cars that would be supplied to the Indian government. The dates for the delivery have also not been confirmed for now due to upcoming elections in the country, though it is anticipated that the deliveries may begin sometime in 2015. As showcased at the Auto Expo event, the Swift Range Extender is powered by 658cc, in-line three-cylinder petrol engine. A 55KW electric motor powered by 5kWh lithium ion battery has been mounted to the front axle. Internal test results for the Swift Range Extender stated an impressive combined fuel efficiency of up to 48.2km per litre, including the 25.5km run powered by a fully-charged battery during tests. Moreover, the Indian company boasts of possessing a battery that gets fully charged in about just 90 Minutes.
As per a recent update, department of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has requested for grant of Rs 230-300 crore from the Finance Ministry to kick-start a series of pilot projects from April 2014. It is also well known that Maruti Suzuki has been waiting in anticipation for the implementation of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020. The first ones to receive the Swift Range Extender as part of the pilot project would be the Indian Government. Major electric gear for the hatchback would be imported from Japan and other countries.
Source: Autocar
