Mahindra Scorpio Hybrid SUVs Likely On The Cards

Mahindra, owners of one of the world's least expensive electric four seater, the e2o, is working on bringing out full fledged hybrid SUVs, a report on ET claims. In fact, Mahindra is said to be readying hybrid versions of its existing SUVs for the Indian Auto Show, which is in early Feb 2014.

More importantly though, the technology Mahindra is said to be working on is the first of its kind in the world. That's because the Indian auto giant is developing a hybrid system that can be paired with manual transmission vehicles. Typically, around the globe, all hybrid vehicles are automatic or semi-automatic vehicles.

Also Read: Electric Car Subsidy To Start From April 2014

Reportedly, the hybrid system Mahindra is working on can improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent and the automaker's XUV500 and Scorpio SUVs will be the first vehicles to be equipped with it.

Both the Scorpio and XUV500 already come with, what Mahindra calls as Micro Hybrid system. This is actually, not a hybrid system at all and rather a start/stop system that cuts power to the engine during idling and restarts it when the brake is lifted. This is said to improve fuel efficiency by up to 5 percent.

The new system, on the other hand, will be a full fledged hybrid system, much like those found in vehicles such as Toyota Prius.

Mahindra has already roped in technology partners to help with the development of the system. These include Samsung SDI for development and supply of lithium-ion batteries, German auto component manufacturer ZF and tyre manufacturer Continental.

Following recent developments it is likely that the government will provide subsidy for hybrid and electric vehicles starting from April 2014. Once that happens Mahindra is expected to finally come out with several new electric and hybrid models.