Maruti Suzuki has reportedly decided to develop electric motors for its small cars—Alto, Wagon R, Celerio and A-Star.
According to Live Mint the car maker will start manufacturing of electric vehicles in the small car segment over the next few years, as it seeks to tap a potentially large market for affordable eco-friendly vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki is also planning to push CNG run vehicles as an alternative to petrol and diesel vehicles in the coming years says the report.
Chairman R.C. Bhargava speaking to the publication said “The Indian car market is unique in that 75% of the cars sold are below 4m in length and cost under ₹ 6.5 lakh at factory level.” He added “Electrification of these cars, in the short term, has to be considered in terms of their affordability as well as the creation of the required charging infrastructure all over the country.”
Earlier the country’s largest car maker company revealed its plans to start selling electric vehicles (EVs) by 2020 and begin the manufacturing at its Gujarat facility.
Beside the EVs the company is also setting up factory for lithium-ion battery factory. Denso will provide technological support for setting-up lithium-ion battery factory, while Toshiba will power cell modules.
Suzuki Motor Corporation, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki, and Denso along with Toshiba will jointly invest USD 180 million (Rs 1,135 crore) for setting up a battery pack manufacturing plant in Gujarat that will start production in 2020.
ALSO READ:
Suzuki planning to bring electric bikes beside cars in India by 2020: Report
Maruti Suzuki India planning to install a 5 MW solar power plant at its Gurgaon campus
Maruti Suzuki to showcase concept electric compact SUV e-SURVIVOR at Auto Expo