Maruti bats for hybrid cars, not keen on electric vehicles yet

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is not very enthused with the idea of producing electric cars despite the government contemplating subsidy on electric vehicles but a hybrid car by India’s largest auto manufacturer may not be a distant dream.

“Why not a hybrid car that has a long term future in India,” quipped Maruti Chairman R C Bhargava to a poser whether the company is thinking of bringing out its first electric car.
“Suzuki (Maruti’s Japanese partner) is working on hybrid technology. Our engineer’s are only getting training with them,” he said when pressed to answer if hybrid car by Maruti can be a reality soon.

Hybrid vehicles have a non-conventional propulsion system, such as an electric motor, in addition to the engine that runs on conventional fuel. Hybrid vehicles offer better fuel efficiency and are more environment friendly but the biggest hurdle is their hefty price which is not suitable for small cars and cost conscious Indian consumers.

For now, Bhargava has dismissed the idea of electric cars in India.