Maruti could launch pure CNG models in India soon.
Maruti Suzuki currently offers a range of factory fitted CNG cars in their lineup. These models include Alto, Alto K10, Celerio, Wagon R, Eeco and Ertiga. However, these are all bi-fuel petrol and CNG versions but not pure CNG models.
Considering the fact that Maruti will stop selling small cars with diesel engines from April 2020, they are likely to get more demand for CNG models. Maruti Suzuki is seeing potential in the pure CNG models in the near future.
CV Raman, Senior Executive Director, Maruti Suzuki says the company is looking at introducing pure CNG models. He believes the range anxiety of CNG models is still there and hence people prefer bi-fuel model.
CNG still has the lowest running cost but the biggest hurdle for pure CNG models is the infrastructure, which is still growing. For people who are taking CNG cars out on the highways, there are very few CNG filling stations.
The government is setting up 10,000 CNG filling stations by 2030 and eventually the range anxiety for pure CNG vehicles will fade away with the strong network. Right now there are 1856 CNG filling stations in India that are concentrated in Delhi NCR, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Maruti Pure CNG Models
– Currently Maruti sells bi-fuel CNG models
– Pure CNG models launch under consideration
– Govt to setup 10,000 CNG filling stations by 2030
Source – AutocarIndia.com