Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for a significant leap in the automotive industry with its forthcoming series hybrid technology. This innovative approach, slated to debut in models like the Swift, Fronx, and Baleno, is poised to reshape the market landscape. Here’s why this upcoming hybrid tech could be a game changer.
Series hybrid vehicles, also known as range-extenders or self-charging electric vehicles, operate much like electric vehicles (EVs). They employ a battery-powered electric motor to drive the wheels, but with a twist: the battery doesn’t require external charging. Instead, these models are equipped with on-board generators powered by a petrol engine. Notably, the petrol engine never directly propels the wheels.
What sets Maruti’s upcoming series hybrids apart is their potential classification as EVs. According to the Department of Revenue, an EV is defined as a vehicle running solely on electrical energy derived from an external source or batteries. Remarkably, there’s no mention of tailpipe emissions in this definition. This grey area in the definition of EVs could potentially allow Maruti’s series hybrids to qualify for the lower GST slab of 5 percent.
This strategic move could give Maruti Suzuki a significant price advantage over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, including strong hybrids. Not only are these hybrids expected to be highly efficient, but they also eliminate the range anxiety associated with conventional EVs, making them an ideal choice for markets like India where charging infrastructure is still developing.
The key question remains: Will Maruti Suzuki leverage this regulatory ambiguity and convince authorities to apply the lower GST rate to their upcoming series hybrids? The answer is eagerly anticipated.
In summary, Maruti Suzuki’s foray into series hybrid technology holds immense potential to disrupt the automotive industry. By capitalizing on regulatory nuances and offering a compelling alternative to traditional ICE cars, Maruti is poised to redefine the future of mobility in India.
