Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid to be introduced in 2025, To get new hybrid tech

Maruti Suzuki is planning to introduce a lot of hybrid models to their existing line-up in India. Even though there has been a rise in the EV market in India, the company seems to focus more on LPG and hybrid vehicles. The introduction of Grand Vitara by Maruti has changed the hybrid scenario for them. The Grand Vitara Hybrid was sold in good numbers and the company is more into the hybrid segment.

According to an exclusive report by Autocar India, Maruti will be introducing a hybrid variant for the Fronx and it will be launched in 2025. The manufacturer will also be launching a three-row version of the Grand Vitara in 2025. However, a big news from the manufacturer when it comes to the hybrid model is that Maruti will be introducing their own series hybrid powertrain instead of Toyota’s series-parallel hybrid system.

The shifting to the series hybrid powertrain will help Maruti to cut the cost on manufacturing their hybrid variants. The engine will be used in hybrid variants Fronx, Baleno, Swift and a small MPV (under-development).

Series Hybrid Powertrain

In the series hybrid powertrain, the petrol engine only serves as a generator or range extender. This means that instead of directly powering the engine, it produces electricity that powers and electric motor, which in turn moves the wheels. This mechanism is quite simple as the electric motor is the only power source driving the wheels. The motor draws the electricity from either a small battery pack or a generator which is run by the petrol engine. The series hybrid engine is also called range extender hybrid as the ICE acts as a generator for recharging the EV’s battery pack.

On the other hand, the parallel hybrid powertrain (as used by Toyota for the Grand Vitara) offers more complex transmission system that allows both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor to drive wheels independently/ together.

Efficiency

When it comes to the efficiency of the series hybrid by Maruti Suzuki, we can expect a better fuel-efficiency. Maruti’s HEV-powered cars are expected to get 35-40kmpl on the test cycle. We expect the company to bring more insight about their HEV technology in the near future.