According to Rahul Bharti, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki, strong hybrid vehicles should replace ICE vehicles and not EVs. “The debate is not between EV and strong hybrid. Both are excellent technologies. Both need to be encouraged. The debate is between strong hybrids and IC engines,” Bharti said. “I cannot imagine a situation, and nobody can justify why IC engines should be preferred over strong hybrid,” he added. Countering a claim made by a think tank regarding the emissions produced by hybrids, Bharti said that in a strong hybrid vehicle, it is the computer that optimizes both drivetrains (ICE and battery motor combination), and there is no option given to the driver to run in pure ICE mode. To support his argument, Bharti revealed that the Maruti Grand Vitara and Invicto hybrids produce 26% and 30% lower CO2 emissions while increasing fuel efficiency by 36% and 46%, respectively. “So, definitely strong hybrids are a very powerful way to cut oil imports, generate energy efficiency, and reduce CO2 immediately without the pressure of range anxiety or lack of charging infrastructure,” he added. Bharti also believes that the market penetration of EVs will not reach 80-100% even in the next 10-15 years. Hence, to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the energy efficiency of the remaining ICE vehicles, hybrids would be a logical strategy. Source: ET Auto
