The odd-even scheme which was implemented recently in Delhi-NCR has impacted car owners in the capital. However, this radical scheme will not be applicable to CNG, electric and hybrid vehicles, women-only cars and those belonging to top politicians. This means, a majority of the mainstream new car buyers will have to shift to CNG-powered models or hybrid cars, such as the Prius, which are not really mass market or affordable.
Maruti recently launched its fuel-saving SHVS tech in India and the first model to benefit from it was the Ciaz sedan equipped with the 89bhp 1.3-litre diesel engine. The carmaker also added this feature in the facelifted Ertiga diesel which also comes with the same engine. Since these two models come with Maruti’s SHVS system that includes a start-stop mechanism and other upgrades (See below), they qualify as 'hybrids' and hence fall in the exempted list. Apart from this, both these models also qualify for the subsidy extension of around Rs 13,000 under the Government of India’s electric and hybrid vehicle policy also known as the FAME scheme.
What is Maruti’s SHVS tech?
As reported earlier, the SHVS system comes with a start-stop technology uses an integrated starter generator (ISG) that functions as a battery charger during braking and acts as the starter motor when the stop-start technology is in use. The car also gets an electric boost via the Engine Power Assist system where the ISG supplements the engine’s power during acceleration. This happens at around 2,500rpm. The car also comes equipped with a gear shift indicator. Vehicles equipped with this system get a new high-capacity battery.
(with inputs from Shobha Mathur)