Maruti Swift Range Extender Hybrid To Be Supplied To Government

Maruti Suzuki Swift Range Extender is the name of the plug-in hybrid version of the popular hatchback. The Swift Range Extender was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo last month.

A new report on AutocarProfessional now claims that the government has placed orders for an undisclosed number of these hybrid Swift hatchbacks as part of a pilot project.

Citing a source with knowledge about the project the report claims that homologation of the production ready Swift Range Extender is almost complete and that the government is now awaiting ARAI fuel efficiency certification.

Also Read: VW Polo Hybrid Under Development

Though it is not known what exactly the pilot project is about, a clearer picture is expected to emerge post the election, anytime during the 2014-15 financial year.

The source has also informed that though the Swift range Extender will be manufactured in India some components such as the battery and electric motor will be imported from Japan and other countries.

Suzuki Swift Range Extender is powered by a three-cylinder inline 658cc engine, instead of the petrol engine found in the regular Swift hatchback. Aiding this engine is a 74 hp electric motor mounted on the front axle.

The battery powering the motor is a 5 kWh lithium-ion unit that can be charged fully in 90 minutes. Claimed mileage for the plug-in hybrid Swift is 48.2 km/l. The car can also cover a distance of 25.5 km on electric power alone.

Swift Range Extender is also heavier than the regular Swift to the tune of 130 kg, which would take the max final weight to 1020 kg.

What is your guess on the government's pilot project? We believe the Swift Range Extender could be deployed in limited numbers for real world testing.