The future for electric cars and hybrids seems bright because two very capable automakers have joined hands to develop these cars for India.
Suzuki and Toyota signed an agreement recently wherein the companies decided to share some vehicles as well as technology. As part of this deal, the companies have also started developing new electric as well as hybrid cars and these will be launched in India starting from 2020.
Suzuki-Toyota will launch 4 electrified cars in the next couple of years. These cars will be shared between both the automakers. Also, they will launch hybrid versions of popular cars like the Baleno, Vitara Brezza and Corolla Altis with power outputs ranging from 12V to 72V.
With the arrival of these hybrid systems, fuel efficiency of these vehicles is expected to increase by 5-45% which will help reduce running costs drastically. In fact, Maruti Suzuki has already started testing an electric version of the Wagon R.
A prototype assembly line for the electric Maruti Wagon R has been set up at the automaker’s plant in Gurgaon and the vehicle is being tested in Mumbai and Bengaluru, with 50 units already produced.
The Wagon R EV is likely to come with a 72V system with a battery capacity of 10-25 KwH. Cars like the Baleno and Vitara Brezza will get a 12V hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery while the Corolla Altis will come with a more advanced 72V system.
Full-fledged fuel economy rules are likely to be incorporated by 2023 and that’s when the Maruti cars will get upgraded hybrid systems. This pact by Suzuki and Toyota seems very promising because both the Japanese automakers are known for their robust and reliable cars that also offer ease of use and low running costs.
Suzuki-Toyota EVs
– The Baleno, Vitara Brezza and Corolla will get hybrid versions
– Maruti has started testing the Wagon R Electric in India
– 4 electrified cars will be shared by Suzuki and Toyota
Source – ETAuto.com