Maruti Suzuki on Tuesday handed over first lot of hybrid cars — two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid and one ‘Eeco Charge’ — for use during the Commonwealth Games, while another lot of eco-friendly cars will be handed over to the Delhi Government soon.
Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for use at the Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles.
“I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their research and design capability. We are grateful to the government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. We are happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles,” said Maruti Suzuki India Limited Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi.
The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles at the Commonwealth Games is in line with the ambitious the National Hybrid Propulsion Programme (NHPP) and High Energy Density Battery Development Programme. The development of hybrid and electric vehicles is one of the exciting initiatives undertaken by Maruti Suzuki to enhance its R&D capabilities and gear itself for greener technologies, he said.
The hybrid system used in the SX4 features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed automated manual transmission.
The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle. Similarly, ‘Eeco Charge’ is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100 km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour.
