Photo: original image by autoevolution
Whatever happened to the Suzuki Swift EV Hybrid Concept (picture above) from the 2011 Tokyo Auto Show? Apparently, it learned Indian and migrated West!
Reports are coming in from India that local manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has a hybrid of sorts, which after being homologated will be delivered to the local government's test fleet. The car is actually a range-extended car with a 660cc 3-cylinder engine from a kei car providing extra juice for a 550 kW electric motor and a small 5 kWh battery.
On a full charge, the Swift is able to travel for up to 25.5 kilometers (15.8 miles) before the range-extender, which adds 130 kilograms (286 lbs) to the weight of the car, kicks into action. Filling the battery up with juice takes just 90 minutes from a regular wall socket.
Speaking to Autocar Professional, an Indian source involved with the project revealed" “While the homologation process of the hybrid Swift is nearly completed, the team is expecting ARAI certification anytime now. Secondly, the officials at Maruti Suzuki are awaiting orders from the government to supply an undisclosed number of these Swift hybrids to the latter as a part of the pilot plan. However, due to the upcoming elections, the dates are not yet known. But we can safely say that by the first quarter of next financial year (FY2014-15), the picture on this project would be clearer.”
Most of the tricky components are imported by Maruti from Suzuki Japan, with limited sales expected to start towards the end of the year.
On a full charge, the Swift is able to travel for up to 25.5 kilometers (15.8 miles) before the range-extender, which adds 130 kilograms (286 lbs) to the weight of the car, kicks into action. Filling the battery up with juice takes just 90 minutes from a regular wall socket.
Speaking to Autocar Professional, an Indian source involved with the project revealed" “While the homologation process of the hybrid Swift is nearly completed, the team is expecting ARAI certification anytime now. Secondly, the officials at Maruti Suzuki are awaiting orders from the government to supply an undisclosed number of these Swift hybrids to the latter as a part of the pilot plan. However, due to the upcoming elections, the dates are not yet known. But we can safely say that by the first quarter of next financial year (FY2014-15), the picture on this project would be clearer.”
Most of the tricky components are imported by Maruti from Suzuki Japan, with limited sales expected to start towards the end of the year.
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