The Swift Range Extender will not make it to production in its current generation, but a hybrid version is being developed for the next generation model.
Following its display at the Auto Expo in 2014, Maruti Suzuki has showcased the Swift Range Extender concept at the International Green Mobility Expo 2015 (GMX 2015) at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, which concluded recently. The Swift Range Extender is essentially a plug-in hybrid version of the popular hatchback that incorporates an electric motor and a gas powered engine and is said to return a combined fuel economy of 48.2 km/l as per Maruti’s internal tests.
Powering the Maruti Swift Range Extender is a 658cc 3-cylinder petrol engine paired to a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that develops a combined output of 73 HP. Power is then transferred to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic gearbox. The electric motor draws power from lithium-ion batteries that are capable of being fully recharged within 1.5 hours through a 200V socket, but also contribute to the overall weight of the hatchback that now tips the scales at 1600 kgs. In pure electric mode, the hybrid is capable of doing 25.5 kms.
The Maruti Swift Range Extender also receives feature upgrades including new audio unit with a display screen, updated MID screen and rear disc brakes. Maruti Suzuki has no plans of launching the Swift Range Extender in the domestic market, but will be providing certain units to the Indian government for a pilot project. While there has been no confirmation yet, reports do suggest that Suzuki is working on a hybrid Swift that will be introduced on the next generation model in 2017. Check out this walk-around video of the Swift Range Extender from the Auto Expo last year.
[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ih9YLQxaU 540 375]
