Man Converts Maruti Suzuki Alto Into Hybrid Car With Electric Motor [Video]
India is a country which is full of people who have very bright ideas and have the passion to take on unconventional projects. Recently, showing a prime example of this, a video has been shared online in which an old Maruti Suzuki Alto has been converted into a hybrid vehicle using an electric motor and a battery. What's unique about this setup is that the original internal combustion engine of this car has not been removed.
The video showing the behind-the-scenes process of how this particular Maruti Suzuki Alto has been converted into a hybrid vehicle has been shared on YouTube by Technical Parth on their channel. It starts off with the demonstration of the rear wheels of this Alto rotating while the whole car was on jack stands.
Soon after this, the person starts the engine of the car, and all four wheels of this hatchback start rotating. Following this, he then starts driving the vehicle on the road, and we can note that he has a throttle-like object in his right hand. Most likely, it is the control for the electric motor. The video then shows how the electric motor-equipped axle was fitted in this vehicle.
It starts off with a man removing the company-fitted rear axle of this Alto. It can be seen that the axle came out with the points that get attached to the chassis of the car, along with the mounts for the shock-absorbing springs. We can then note that the person, after removing the axle, starts removing both arms of the axle and also the mounts for the springs.
Following which, both of these elements get welded onto the new rear axle, which has a provision for an electric motor to fit in. The person then starts painting the axle and the newly welded parts so that they do not get rusted. He can then be seen bolting on an electric motor to this axle on the dedicated spot. The person ensures that it gets bolted tightly so that it does not come off.
After which, he can be seen dragging the fully assembled axle to the rear of the Alto. He then starts bolting it onto the chassis and makes sure that all the bolts are tight. We can then note him wiring in the battery management system to the electric motor and finally adding the battery pack to this entire system.
Finally, he shows the working of this electric powertrain. The exact specifications of the battery pack, electric motor, and the battery management system have not been shared in the video.
It has to be mentioned that even though the quality of craftsmanship in this hybridization of the Alto may not be very high. We have to appreciate the efforts made by the man. This is a very cheap and efficient way to convert an ICE vehicle into a hybrid. However, a lot more research and development needs to be done to make this a viable option for everyone.