Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce robust hybrid technology across several models, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly vehicles for the Indian market. Alongside conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and compressed natural gas (CNG) variants, the automaker is actively exploring diverse technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), flex-fuel, bio-gas, and hybrids. While these technologies are expected to coexist harmoniously in the future automotive landscape, Maruti Suzuki is particularly optimistic about the potential of robust hybrids to drive sales.
Maruti Suzuki’s Hybrid Lineup The company has already made significant strides in hybrid vehicle sales, encompassing both mild and robust hybrid offerings. Mild-hybrid models within Maruti’s fleet include the Fronx, Ciaz, Brezza, Ertiga, XL6, and the Grand Vitara, whereas robust hybrids are represented by higher-end variants of the Grand Vitara and the Invicto. Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, envisions that robust hybrids will constitute 25 percent of overall sales by 2030. This significant contribution is expected not only from existing models but also from upcoming ones.
Preferential Adoption of Robust Hybrid Technology over EVs While the adoption of EVs faces challenges such as higher upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and lengthy charging times, robust hybrids offer a compelling alternative. By combining the strengths of electric motors and gasoline engines, robust hybrids deliver superior mileage and lower CO2 emissions. Moreover, their self-charging mechanism eliminates range anxiety associated with EVs, as there’s no need for separate charging sessions.
Robust Hybrid vs. Mild Hybrid vs. ICE Maruti Suzuki Cars Maruti Suzuki’s current lineup already includes mild-hybrid technology across various models. However, the benefits of robust hybrids far outweigh those of mild hybrids, thanks to their larger battery capacity and significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional ICE models. Maruti’s data indicates that robust hybrids can operate in battery or EV mode for nearly 60 percent of urban driving, including convenient recharging via regenerative braking. Consequently, robust hybrids offer up to 44 percent higher mileage and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30 percent compared to equivalent ICE vehicles.