The use of hydrogen is also an interesting alternative and should be considered specially to reduce dependence on importing Lithium, says R. C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Limited addressing shareholders through Maruti Suzuki Annual Integrated Report 2020-21. 

On electrification and various green technologies, R. C. Bhargava said, "I have no doubt that the large resources that are now being deployed for technology development will lead to lowering the cost of EVs and reducing dependence on Lithium, procurement of which poses some strategic issues of national importance. The time frame for all of this to happen is not certain but meanwhile we do need to reduce import of oil and harmful emissions.

"Hybrid technology also leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions and is another area for our engineers to work. Thus, these two technologies, coupled with biofuels, gives the country a means of moving towards the final goal of net zero emission. The use of hydrogen is also an interesting alternative and should be considered specially to reduce dependence on importing Lithium,” added Bhargava.

"The company is following a philosophy of reducing carbon footprint with every new model introduction. For further reduction in CO2 emissions, the company is adopting a mix of powertrain technologies based on electrification and CNG,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited.

Sharing details on green technologies, Ayukawa said, “Recently, our parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation formulated the Suzuki Environmental Vision 2050 to move towards carbon neutrality in new vehicles and business operations. In this regard, a project has been initiated to develop strategies and action plans aimed at minimizing the company’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the company’s efforts to promote the eco-friendly CNG technology vehicles started paying off. In FY 2020-21, despite overall sales of the company declining in the domestic market by ~8%, the sales of CNG vehicles grew by nearly 50%. Towards electrification of the powertrain, the Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), in a joint venture with Toshiba Corporation and Denso Corporation, is setting-up India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant with cell level localisation.”

Sharing optimism for the future, Ayukawa concluded, “Although the country is navigating through tough times, its economic prospects appear to be promising over the medium term. With support from SMC in terms of relevant product and technologies, the company will continue to work on all the enablers to cash-in on the opportunities. Moreover, SMC, in its recent mid-term plan, indicated to offer relevant products such as Utility Vehicles (UV) to strengthen the company’s product line-up, promote the penetration of hybrids and introduce EVs. The partnership between Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation will help the company in gaining access to hybrid technology.”