Maruti Suzuki has delivered the first set of Hybrid cars to be used at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. Two SX4 hybrids and one ‘Eeco Charge’ have been handed over to Arvinder Singh Lovely, Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi.
Maruti Suzuki has specifically developed 14 vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 SX4 hybrids and four ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles. The remaining vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
The SX4 Hybrid is a full parallel hybrid with automated manual transmission (AMT).The hybrid system features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. It combines a 1.2-litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed automated manual transmission. The hybrid sedan is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving.
The ‘Eeco Charge’ is a zero-emission pure electric vehicle powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100kph. Battery for the EV has been packaged under the floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The ‘Eeco Charge’ can be charged using household power source and has a display for the state of charge and distance-to-empty.
SX4 Hybrid and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)’s High Energy Density Battery Development Program.