Mahindra, Kia & Hyundai To Likely Launch Hybrid SUVs In India

Apart from EVs, strong hybrid cars are also on the radar of major car manufacturers in the Indian market

Electric vehicles are steadily gaining traction in India and similarly, strong hybrid technology is also making its way to the mass-market segment. Currently, we have 3 affordable strong hybrid models in the domestic market i.e. Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda City e:HEV. Top manufacturers like Mahindra, Hyundai and Kia are also planning to launch hybrid SUVs in the country.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has started working on a new hybrid SUV for India and it is expected to hit the roads in the next 24-30 months. Internally codenamed Ni1i, the hybrid SUV will be positioned above Alcazar in the brand’s line-up. While the details are scarce at the moment, some media reports suggest that the upcoming SUV will be a three-row model, rivalling the likes of Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari.

It will be manufactured at the brand’s newly acquired Talegaon-based facility. In terms of powertrain, the 1.6-litre strong hybrid setup doing duty in multiple Hyundai and Kia models internationally could be a part of the package, however, the current 1.5 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine can also be paired to a strong hybrid system to achieve competitive pricing.

Similarly, we had the reports of Kia evaluating strong hybrid powertrain for the Indian market. As per the information available, the existing lot of 1.2 litre and 1.5 litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engines could be considered for electrification. These will likely replace the small-capacity diesel engine which may end up being shelved due to the upcoming stringent emission norms. Currently, the details about the Korean brand’s hybrid plans are scarce, however, more information could emerge in the near future.

Mahindra is another carmaker that is exploring hybrid technology for the domestic market. As per the reports, electric vehicles will remain the point of focus for the company and strong hybrid cars will be developed on the basis of customer demand as well as market response. As per the company, there are several challenges to developing hybrid technology from scratch and it is evaluating the possibilities for its localisation.

In addition to this, Mahindra also emphasized the fact that there are no subsidies for hybrid cars in the country. Currently, the information regarding the company’s hybrid plans is limited and we can expect more details in the coming years.