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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Indians on the hybridge to electric future: Hybrid cars demand surges at a pace similar to EVs despite fewer options
Demand for strong hybrid cars is growing at a pace similar to electric vehicles (EVs) despite limited offerings, and government incentives promoting the latter, prompting carmakers to line up more hybrid models to meet increasing customer demand amid high fuel prices. There are only about five strong hybrid models on sale in the country, compared to 15 EVs. Yet, both segments grew about 18per cent year-on-year in FY25, with hybrids emerging as a practical, fuel-efficient alternative while pure electric adoption slowed amid continuing infrastructure bottlenecks. Automakers are creating more room for hybrids in their emissions compliance strategies ahead of stricter fuel-efficiency rules set to kick in from April 1, 2027. From Maruti Suzuki to Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra, they are gearing up to launch more than half a dozen hybrid vehicles over the next two years. 'Interestingly, automakers that previously dismissed hybrids are now actively evaluating or developing hybrid models for India,' said Gaurav Vangaal, associate director at S&P Global Mobility. 'This shift reflects evolving market dynamics and growing consumer interest, which—month after month—is increasingly steering the industry toward hybrid technology.' According to the industry, more than half of the sales of Toyota Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder now come from strong hybrid variants. Maruti Suzuki offers only a strong hybrid version of the Invicto MPV. At Honda, the share of strong hybrid in City sedan sales has increased to almost 15per cent, up from 9-10% after launch. 'With the upcoming implementation of CAFE 3 norms, we can expect a surge in launches across both hybrid and electric powertrains,' Vangaal said. The government is in the process of formulating the third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) norms. Under CAFE, fuel consumption and emission targets apply to the overall fleet of a carmaker, including EVs and hybrids, rather than individual models. This gives manufacturers leeway to sell larger, less efficient vehicles as long as their cleaner models offset the impact on overall fleet emissions. Fuel-wise vehicle sales data collated by industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show hybrid vehicle sales rose 18% year-on-year to 105,000 units in FY25. Electric vehicle sales, too, grew at a similar pace to 118,000 units, largely driven by new, more affordable models introduced by Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor and M&M. Sales of petrol vehicles, meanwhile, dipped by 6.6per cent to 2,482,000 units. Industry watchers said the pace of growth in EV sales has moderated (from about 90% in FY24) despite central and state governments lining up several incentives — from reduced GST rate of 5per cent, waiver of registration charges and road taxes, and income tax benefits to enthuse customers to shift to EVs. They mostly blame it on the lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Thus, buyers looking to save on fuel costs are increasingly opting for strong hybrid vehicles. New Hybrids While Maruti Suzuki is set to take the covers off a hybrid SUV (codenamed Y17) ahead of the festive season this year, its Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia are set to drive in their first strong hybrid models next year, industry insiders said. JSW MG Motor is examining plug-in hybrid vehicles for launch in India. Industry insiders said homegrown M&M, which so far has been betting big on born EVs, too, is developing a strong hybrid vehicle for launch in 2027. 'It is heartening to note that both BEVs and strong hybrids are growing well,' said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki. 'SHEVs (strong hybrids) also enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 significantly over pure petrol/ diesel vehicles.' The strong hybrid variant of Grand Vitara, for instance, emits 26per cent less CO2 than the pure ICE model and offers 36per cent increase in fuel efficiency. In the case of the Invicto, energy efficiency is up by 44per cent while CO2 reduction is 30%. 'As the market leader, we will pursue all powertrain technologies including BEVs, SHEVs, CNG and CBG and ethanol flex fuel for decarbonisation,' Bharti said. Mahindra also is planning to drive in a hybrid version of XUV 3XO, a senior industry executive aware of the company's plans said. 'When diesel prices were lower than petrol, customers who had to run their vehicle a lot everyday preferred to buy a diesel vehicle. The same thing is going to happen with hybrids today,' the executive said. Hyundai Motor India managing director Unsoo Kim at its latest post-earnings call said the company will launch 26 products – 20 ICE and 6 EVs – by FY30, in addition to ongoing product interventions and updates. 'Additionally, we shall be introducing new ecofriendly powertrains like hybrids,' he said. Kim said the company is looking at building a 'well-balanced portfolio across (internal combustion engine) ICE and eco-friendly technologies to cater to the diverse customer's needs across segments.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Indians on the Hybridge to Electric Future
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Epaper Demand for strong hybrid cars is growing at a pace similar to electric vehicles (EVs) despite limited offerings, and government incentives promoting the latter, prompting carmakers to line up more hybrid models to meet increasing customer demand amid high fuel are only about five strong hybrid models on sale in the country, compared to 15 EVs. Yet, both segments grew about 18% year-on-year in FY25, with hybrids emerging as a practical, fuel-efficient alternative while pure electric adoption slowed amid continuing infrastructure are creating more room for hybrids in their emissions compliance strategies ahead of stricter fuel-efficiency rules set to kick in from April 1, 2027. From Maruti Suzuki to Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra, they are gearing up to launch more than half a dozen hybrid vehicles over the next two years.'Interestingly, automakers that previously dismissed hybrids are now actively evaluating or developing hybrid models for India,' said Gaurav Vangaal, associate director at S&P Global Mobility. 'This shift reflects evolving market dynamics and growing consumer interest, which, month after month, is increasingly steering the industry toward hybrid technology.' According to the industry, more than half of the sales of Toyota Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder now come from strong hybrid Suzuki offers only a strong hybrid version of the Invicto MPV. At Honda, the share of strong hybrid in City sedan sales has increased to almost 15%, up from 9-10% after launch.'With the upcoming implementation of CAFE 3 norms, we can expect a surge in launches across both hybrid and electric powertrains,' said Vangaal of S&P. The government is in the process of formulating the third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) norms. Under CAFE, fuel consumption and emission targets apply to the overall fleet of a carmaker, including EVs and hybrids, rather than individual models. This gives manufacturers leeway to sell larger, less efficient vehicles as long as their cleaner models offset the impact on overall fleet vehicle sales data collated by industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show hybrid vehicle sales rose 18% year-on-year to 105,000 units in FY25. Electric vehicle sales, too, grew at a similar pace to 118,000 units, largely driven by new, more affordable models introduced by Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor and M& of petrol vehicles, meanwhile, dipped by 6.6% to 2,482,000 watchers said the pace of growth in EV sales has moderated (from about 90% in FY24) despite central and state governments lining up several incentives — from reduced GST rate of 5%, waiver of registration charges and road taxes, and income tax benefits to enthuse customers to shift to EVs. They mostly blame it on the lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Thus, buyers looking to save on fuel costs are increasingly opting for strong hybrid Maruti Suzuki is set to take the covers off a hybrid SUV (codenamed Y17) ahead of the festive season this year, its Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia are set to drive in their first strong hybrid models next year, industry insiders MG Motor is examining plug-in hybrid vehicles for launch in insiders said homegrown M&M, which so far has been betting big on born EVs, too, is developing a strong hybrid vehicle for launch in 2027. 'It is heartening to note that both BEVs and strong hybrids are growing well,' said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki. 'SHEVs (strong hybrids) also enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 significantly over pure petrol/ diesel vehicles.'Mahindra also is planning to drive in a hybrid version of XUV 3XO, a senior industry executive aware of the company's plans said.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Indians on the hybridge to electric future: Hybrid cars demand surges at a pace similar to EVs despite fewer options
TIL Creatives Representative Image New Delhi: Demand for strong hybrid cars is growing at a pace similar to electric vehicles (EVs) despite limited offerings, and government incentives promoting the latter, prompting carmakers to line up more hybrid models to meet increasing customer demand amid high fuel prices. There are only about five strong hybrid models on sale in the country, compared to 15 EVs. Yet, both segments grew about 18% year-on-year in FY25, with hybrids emerging as a practical, fuel-efficient alternative while pure electric adoption slowed amid continuing infrastructure bottlenecks. Automakers are creating more room for hybrids in their emissions compliance strategies ahead of stricter fuel-efficiency rules set to kick in from April 1, 2027. From Maruti Suzuki to Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra, they are gearing up to launch more than half a dozen hybrid vehicles over the next two years. 'Interestingly, automakers that previously dismissed hybrids are now actively evaluating or developing hybrid models for India,' said Gaurav Vangaal, associate director at S&P Global Mobility. 'This shift reflects evolving market dynamics and growing consumer interest, which, month after month, is increasingly steering the industry toward hybrid technology.' According to the industry, more than half of the sales of Toyota Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder now come from strong hybrid Suzuki offers only a strong hybrid version of the Invicto MPV. At Honda, the share of strong hybrid in City sedan sales has increased to almost 15%, up from 9-10% after launch. 'With the upcoming implementation of CAFE 3 norms, we can expect a surge in launches across both hybrid and electric powertrains,' said Vangaal of S&P. The government is in the process of formulating the third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) norms. Under CAFE, fuel consumption and emission targets apply to the overall fleet of a carmaker, including EVs and hybrids, rather than individual models. This gives manufacturers leeway to sell larger, less efficient vehicles as long as their cleaner models offset the impact on overall fleet emissions. Fuel-wise vehicle sales data collated by industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show hybrid vehicle sales rose 18% year-onyear to 105,000 units in FY25. Electric vehicle sales, too, grew at a similar pace to 118,000 units, largely driven by new, more affordable models introduced by Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor and M& of petrol vehicles, meanwhile, dipped by 6.6% to 2,482,000 units. Industry watchers said the pace of growth in EV sales has moderated (from about 90% in FY24) despite central and state governments lining up several incentives — from reduced GST rate of 5%, waiver of registration charges and road taxes, and income tax benefits to enthuse customers to shift to EVs. They mostly blame it on the lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Thus, buyers looking to save on fuel costs are increasingly opting for strong hybrid HYBRIDSWhile Maruti Suzuki is set to take the covers off a hybrid SUV (codenamed Y17) ahead of the festive season this year, its Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia are set to drive in their first strong hybrid models next year, industry insiders MG Motor is examining plug-in hybrid vehicles for launch in India. Industry insiders said homegrown M&M, which so far has been betting big on born EVs, too, is developing a strong hybrid vehicle for launch in 2027. 'It is heartening to note that both BEVs and strong hybrids are growing well,' said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki. 'SHEVs (strong hybrids) also enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 significantly over pure petrol/ diesel vehicles.' Mahindra also is planning to drive in a hybrid version of XUV 3XO, a senior industry executive aware of the company's plans said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Indians on the hybridge to electric future: Hybrid cars demand surges at a pace similar to EVs despite fewer options
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Delhi: Demand for strong hybrid cars is growing at a pace similar to electric vehicles (EVs) despite limited offerings, and government incentives promoting the latter, prompting carmakers to line up more hybrid models to meet increasing customer demand amid high fuel are only about five strong hybrid models on sale in the country, compared to 15 EVs. Yet, both segments grew about 18% year-on-year in FY25, with hybrids emerging as a practical, fuel-efficient alternative while pure electric adoption slowed amid continuing infrastructure are creating more room for hybrids in their emissions compliance strategies ahead of stricter fuel-efficiency rules set to kick in from April 1, 2027. From Maruti Suzuki to Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra, they are gearing up to launch more than half a dozen hybrid vehicles over the next two years. 'Interestingly, automakers that previously dismissed hybrids are now actively evaluating or developing hybrid models for India,' said Gaurav Vangaal, associate director at S&P Global Mobility. 'This shift reflects evolving market dynamics and growing consumer interest, which, month after month, is increasingly steering the industry toward hybrid technology.' According to the industry, more than half of the sales of Toyota Innova Hycross and Urban Cruiser Hyryder now come from strong hybrid Suzuki offers only a strong hybrid version of the Invicto MPV. At Honda, the share of strong hybrid in City sedan sales has increased to almost 15%, up from 9-10% after launch. 'With the upcoming implementation of CAFE 3 norms, we can expect a surge in launches across both hybrid and electric powertrains,' said Vangaal of S&P. The government is in the process of formulating the third edition of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE 3) norms. Under CAFE, fuel consumption and emission targets apply to the overall fleet of a carmaker, including EVs and hybrids, rather than individual models. This gives manufacturers leeway to sell larger, less efficient vehicles as long as their cleaner models offset the impact on overall fleet vehicle sales data collated by industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) show hybrid vehicle sales rose 18% year-onyear to 105,000 units in FY25. Electric vehicle sales, too, grew at a similar pace to 118,000 units, largely driven by new, more affordable models introduced by Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor and M& of petrol vehicles, meanwhile, dipped by 6.6% to 2,482,000 units. Industry watchers said the pace of growth in EV sales has moderated (from about 90% in FY24) despite central and state governments lining up several incentives — from reduced GST rate of 5%, waiver of registration charges and road taxes, and income tax benefits to enthuse customers to shift to EVs. They mostly blame it on the lack of adequate charging infrastructure. Thus, buyers looking to save on fuel costs are increasingly opting for strong hybrid Maruti Suzuki is set to take the covers off a hybrid SUV (codenamed Y17) ahead of the festive season this year, its Korean rivals Hyundai and Kia are set to drive in their first strong hybrid models next year, industry insiders MG Motor is examining plug-in hybrid vehicles for launch in India. Industry insiders said homegrown M&M, which so far has been betting big on born EVs, too, is developing a strong hybrid vehicle for launch in 2027. 'It is heartening to note that both BEVs and strong hybrids are growing well,' said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki. 'SHEVs (strong hybrids) also enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 significantly over pure petrol/ diesel vehicles.' Mahindra also is planning to drive in a hybrid version of XUV 3XO, a senior industry executive aware of the company's plans said.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Automotive
- New York Post
Tesla debuts in India — but its too expensive for most residents
NEW DELHI — Tesla Inc. opened its first showroom in India on Tuesday, marking the electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated debut in the world's third-biggest automotive market. Located in the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business center in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla's flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV lineup to Indian customers. Tesla's entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the U.S. 9 Tesla logo on the window of its first showroom in Mumbai. REUTERS Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over Elon Musk's political views continued keeping buyers away. For India, Tesla's entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility, although Tesla's higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians. The country's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than 2% of total car sales last year. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30% by 2030. Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($79,089) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch Tuesday. Delivery is expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said. 9 Policemen stand guard as a three-wheeler auto-rickshaw drives past India's first Tesla showroom. AP 9 Elon Musk, Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of Twitter, attending the Viva Technology conference. REUTERS By comparison, the price tag is around $44,990 in the U.S without a federal tax credit. Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury carmakers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players like Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. The luxury car market makes up just about 1% of total vehicle sales The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world class technology to the country, auto analyst Gaurav Vangaal said. 9 India's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than 2% of total car sales last year. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30% by 2030. AFP via Getty Images 'With deeper local investments, Tesla can accelerate India's EV ecosystem, drive innovation and support the government's goal of higher EV penetration,' said Vangaal, an associate director with S&P Global Mobility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country's clean energy endeavors. CEO Elon Musk invited Indians in April 2016 to preorder the upcoming Tesla Model 3. Several customers placed an order but the cars never arrived and the booking amount had to be refunded. 9 The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world class technology to the country, auto analyst Gaurav Vangaal said. AFP via Getty Images 9 Tesla's regional director speaking at the inauguration of India's first Tesla showroom. AFP via Getty Images Despite his earlier enthusiasm, in 2019 Musk expressed concern in a post on his social media platform X that import taxes could double prices of Tesla cars, making them 'unaffordable.' Tesla pressed Indian authorities to cut import taxes on EVs, which were up to 100%, to be able to test the local market. New Delhi, however, wanted Tesla to set up manufacturing facilities so a comprehensive policy could benefit all the players in the sector. The dynamics changed after Modi and Musk met in the U.S. in February during a state visit by Modi. 9 Red Tesla Model Y at its India showroom launch. AFP via Getty Images Barely a month later, India rolled out a new policy to woo the likes of Tesla, reducing import taxes to 15% from 70% to 100% for EVs priced cheaper than $35,000 as long the automaker committed to building a factory in the country within three years. Soon after, Musk announced he would visit India in April to meet Modi. It was widely expected he would unveil Tesla's plans to set up manufacturing facilities and commit billions of dollars in investments. But Musk cancelled the visit, citing 'very heavy Tesla obligations,' and travelled to China instead. Since then, Tesla has conveyed it does not have an immediate interest in manufacturing in India. 9 Despite his earlier enthusiasm, in 2019 Musk expressed concern in a post on his social media platform X that import taxes could double prices of Tesla cars, making them 'unaffordable.' REUTERS 9 Tesla South East Asia director Isabelle Fan, third right, poses for a photographs with Tesla India team at the newly opened showroom in Mumbai, India. AP U.S. President Donald Trump has said it would be 'unfair' to the U.S. if Tesla builds a factory in India to circumvent that country's tariffs. India and the U.S. are currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement for greater market access and reducing tariffs on most goods, including automobiles. Besides bringing Tesla to India, Musk's India ambition has been to launch Starlink's commercial internet services. The plan got a boost recently after the company secured regulatory clearances. Starlink now needs to secure telecommunications airwaves from the government, which may take at least a couple of months, before the services are formally launched.
