Maruti Suzuki India recently showcased the Swift Range Extender Hybrid at the 2015 International Green Mobility Expo in New Delhi. The same vehicle was earlier showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo. Interestingly, the hybrid version of the country's top-selling premium hatchback is claimed to return a mileage of 48.2Km/l, with an electric driving range of about 25.5 Km. However, the Swift Range Extender will be supplied to the Government of India for a pilot project. So, the car might only be developed for the government, and not for the public.
Powering the vehicle is a 658cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that, paired to a permanent magnet synchronous motor, develops 73bhp. The vehicle offers 3 modes - series hybrid, parallel hybrid and all-electric. In series hybrid mode, the petrol engine works as a generator to power the lithium-ion battery that in return powers the electric motor. In this case, the petrol engine will indirectly help generate electricity to power the electric motor. In parallel hybrid mode, both, the electric motor and the petrol engine, will provide power to the wheels.
The hatchback weighs 1,600 Kg, and it takes 1.5 hours to fully charge the lithium-ion battery through a 200V socket. Features to be offered with the Swift Range Extender Hybrid are - infotainment system, push start/stop button, remote keyless entry and rear disc brakes.
