Hybrid vehicles are gaining popularity among Indian buyers, with a 7 percent sales growth in 2024, reaching over 3.55 lakh units. This is why OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia and Mahindra are set to introduce their strong hybrid models in the next couple of years. India’s largest PV (passenger vehicle) manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is developing its own new series hybrid technology (codenamed – HEV), which will be significantly more affordable than Toyota’s strong hybrid powertrain.
How Series Hybrid System Works?
The series hybrid system includes an engine, a battery and an electric motor. In this configuration, the engine never drives the wheels directly, but acts as a generator and product electricity to either charge the battery or power the electric motor. It’s the electric motor that drives the wheels. The series hybrid system is also known as a range extender hybrid.
The series hybrid system has a simple mechanical design than series-parallel and parallel-only hybrid systems, making it a more affordable solution, with lower maintenance costs and better reliability. These attributes make the series hybrid system suitable for small cars and mass-market offerings.
Maruti Brezza & Fronx Hybrid Launch Details:
Upcoming Maruti Hybrid Cars
| Model | Expected Launch |
| Fronx Hybrid | 2026 |
| New-gen Baleno Hybrid | 2026 |
| Spacia-Based MPV | 2026 |
| Swift Hybrid | 2027 |
| Hybrid breeze | 2029 |
Maruti Suzuki plans to introduce its in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain to models such as Fronx, new-gen Baleno and Brezza and Swift. A new Spacia-based MPV (codenamed YDB) will also among the hybrid beneficiaries. The Maruti Fronx will be the first model to come with the carmaker’s series hybrid powertrain in 2026, followed by the next-generation Baleno and the mini MPV.
The Maruti Swift hybrid will arrive sometime in 2027, while the next-generation Brezza will come with the hybrid powertrain in 2029. The carmaker is likely to have more than six strong hybrid models in its product portfolio by the end of the decade. Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid models (including both Toyota’s 1.5L parallel-hybrid and its own HEV system) are expected to contribute nearly 25 percent of the company’s total volumes or eight lakh units per annum.
Mileage & Specs:
Maruti Suzuki will pair its 1.2L Z12E petrol engine with its series hybrid system. This powertrain will meet the future CAFÉ standards and is expected to offer a fuel efficiency of around 35kmpl – 40kmpl.
