Maruti Suzuki is now preparing to launch affordable hybrid cars from lithium-ion cell and electrode production. It is now believed that SUVs like the Frontex may soon come with hybrid technology.

Maruti Suzuki is now increasingly focusing not only on electric vehicles (EVs) but also on hybrid cars. The company believes that in a market like India, where fuel efficiency and budget are the biggest priorities, affordable hybrid cars can prove to be a game-changer. This technology, which has been limited to premium hybrid cars like Grand Vitara and Invicto till now, can also be seen in compact and budget friendly SUVs like Frontx in the coming time.

Local production of lithium-ion cells and electrodes

• The biggest reason for making hybrid cars expensive is their parts and battery packs, but Maruti Suzuki believes that its cost can be reduced significantly through localization. This is the reason why the company has announced to start lithium-ion cell and electrode production in India. Initially, these cells and electrodes will be used for the Grand Vitara Hybrid, but later they will also be used for other cars like the Front and the upcoming new SUVs. This will give Maruti an opportunity to introduce affordable hybrid cars.

The future of affordable hybrid cars

• Maruti Suzuki has already said that in the future it will not limit hybrid technology to only expensive cars. This means that Indian customers can soon see affordable SUVs with strong hybrid technology. The Fords and the new Maruti SUV to be launched on September 3, 2025 can be early examples of this. Let us tell you that strong hybrid cars are different from mild hybrids. They also have EV mode and the mileage can be more than diesel cars. This is the reason why Maruti is considering it as an alternative to diesel cars.

Investments and future plans

• Maruti Suzuki has already announced that it is going to invest Rs 70,000 crore in India by 2031. This investment will be used in the localization of batteries, cells, hybrid technology and electric vehicles. This is a direct indication that the company is preparing to launch not only premium but also budget-friendly hybrid cars on Indian roads in the coming years.