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-   -   Mahindra working on a 48-volt mild hybrid system (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian-car-scene/188469-mahindra-working-48-volt-mild-hybrid-system.html)

Mahindra and Mahindra is said to be working on a more powerful 48-volt mild hybrid system. The company currently uses a 12-volt mild hybrid system in its SUVs like the Scorpio and XUV 500.

The above information was revealed by the company's Managing Director, Mr. Pawan Goenka, who confirmed that the 48-volt mild hybrid technology is in the works and the company will continue development till it is ready to launch a product with the new technology. However, the decision to actually launch a product with the 48-volt Mild Hybrid system will only be taken if the government rethinks its taxes on hybrid vehicles.

Under the recently implemented GST taxation reforms, the applicable taxes on Hybrid vehicles in India have been increased from 30.3% to 43%. All hybrid vehicles have been placed under the highest tax slab of 28%, along with an additionally applicable cess of 15%. This has increased prices of all hybrid vehicles in the country, including mild hybrids like the Maruti Ciaz diesel and Maruti Ertiga diesel. Mr. Goenka too believes that with such high taxation, it will become difficult for carmakers to justify the high prices of mild hybrids.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system will use an additional battery unit and a starter-generator. This system converts the energy lost during braking into electricity, which is then used to charge the battery. This electric energy can be used for boosting engine performance and powering other electronic systems like water and fuel pumps, radiator fan and power steering racks. Mahindra claims that the mild hybrid system will boost fuel economy and aid vehicle's performance.

Source: Autocar India

Whenever I read some news about these mild-hybrids, I am glad that govt removed the FAME scheme on Hybrids and also taxing them at high rate of 43%. These mild-hybrids will not do any good for the drastically increasing pollution levels in most of the cities. Rapid growth of automobile industry will easily offset whatever the fuel efficiency (est. 15 to 20%) that these vehicles bring.

These companies should make real plug-in hybrids with at least 80 to 100 km all electric range, then push the govt for reducing the taxes on such vehicles. Electric revolution is actually great chance for Indian companies like Tata and Mahindra to compete with market leader Suzuki. It provides a level playing field for them as Suzuki also does not have any electric vehicles in their portfolio.

If they don't really invest now, then the likes Hyundai and Kia will rule Indian market for the next decade.

Enough of this mild hybrid nonsense in our country. The fuel savings (if any) were really minuscule. Unless a Hybrid vehicle can move purely on electric power for a small distance, it should be taxed at normal rates.

Achieving that kind of range while minimizing the penalty due to additional weight is very difficult. Compared to the cars in the USA(which is the biggest hybrid car market in the world), most cars sold in India are small hatchbacks and small sedans. Now adding a significant weight (battery + motors) for small cars penalizes performance, economy and makes interior packaging very difficult. So, an optimal design is the key. Since the average Indian commutes lesser than an average American, I think a 25-30 km all electric range is enough.

It's very difficult (but certainly not impossible) for these Indian companies to stand up to international brands which have more $$$ to pour into R&D.

Also, Suzuki and Toyota are planning a partnership to develop hybrids together.

Here's a related thread on 48V electricals.

Mr. Pawan Goenka should mention that the product will be launched only if the government rethinks its taxes on mild hybrids.

The only purpose of a mild hybrid here looks like utilizing a loophole to save taxes by claiming its a hybrid. No benefits should be given to mild hybrids because they don't even help in improving emissions or mileage by more than 2-3% at best.

The Government should define a hybrid as following : The vehicle should be able to run on the battery for at least 1 KM. I think only the Prius, Camry, Accord and the upcoming Ionic will qualify. The rest like Ciaz, Ertiga, Scopio and XUV are simply gaming the system and cheating.

Its difficult but necessary. Entire industry is moving towards electric vehicles. Cost of batteries is coming down rapidly and with more investments from almost all the players, EVs will achieve parity with ICE vehicles in up front cost in the next 3-4 years.

TATA already has R&D part covered as they own Jaguar which is bringing in I PACE with 90 kWh battery and 350km range. They need to partner with battery makers like Samsung or LG chem to source batteries for all their brands which help in reducing costs. They need to be proactive rather than followers.