The Maruti Suzuki Ignis, well-regarded as a practical hatchback and an entry-level model in the Nexa range, has been transformed into an electric vehicle (EV) using a conversion kit from Pune-based Northway Motors.
This innovative adaptation showcases the potential for transforming existing vehicles into EVs, a crucial step towards sustainable automotive solutions.
Transformation to Electric Vehicle
- Conversion Kit: Northway Motors utilized an EV conversion kit to electrify the Ignis, fitting it with a green registration plate to indicate its new electric status.
- Visual Updates: The car features minimalistic sticker work and a charging socket sign on what used to be the fuel lid, highlighting its conversion to electric. The top-spec Alpha variant of the Ignis used for the conversion also features alloys painted in green to symbolize its EV identity.
Technical Enhancements
- Engine Compartment: The traditional engine space now houses a neatly installed electric motor, although specific details about the battery pack’s placement remain undisclosed.
- Performance: On the dynamometer, the Ignis EV reached a top speed of 200 kmph. Unlike typical EVs that use a single gear ratio, this converted model uses five different gear ratios, allowing for enhanced power delivery and a slight lag in acceleration, reminiscent of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Future Implications
- R&D and Testing: This converted Ignis EV serves primarily for research and development, with tests conducted on a dyno to measure its top speed capabilities.
- EV Conversion Kits: The use of competent EV conversion kits like those from Northway Motors could significantly impact India’s shift towards electric vehicles, particularly for End-of-Life vehicles (ELVs), providing an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to vehicle replacement.
New Game Started in Retrofit.
The initiative by Northway Motors to convert the Maruti Suzuki Ignis into an electric vehicle not only extends the lifecycle of the car but also aligns with global sustainability goals. This project highlights the potential for broader adoption of EV conversion kits, offering a practical solution to accelerate the transition to electric mobility without the need for entirely new vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- The Ignis Electric showcases a successful conversion from petrol to electric, utilizing a kit from Northway Motors.
- Achieving a top speed of 200 kmph on a dynamometer underlines the potential performance of converted EVs.
- The adaptation includes functional and aesthetic modifications, such as a new charging port and green-colored alloys.
- This conversion model serves as an R&D platform, suggesting a future where conversion kits could revitalize older or end-of-life vehicles into efficient electric models.