Autocar India
•12w

Does a plug-in hybrid combine an ICE and an EV? Can it run on the ICE for long journeys and as an EV for local driving? Which cars are available in this segment?

Verified
•12w

Yes, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is exactly that - a combination of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor with a battery that can be charged from an external source. The idea is that you can use the electric-only mode for short local trips, and then the car seamlessly switches to the petrol engine for longer journeys, so you never have to worry about range.

In India, however, the options are quite limited. You have the Mercedes S 450e at the top end as the only plug-in hybrid available at the moment. However, JSW MG is launching the MG Hector Tomahawk later this week, a plug-in hybrid, and next year you will get a Jetour T2-based SUV from JSW, also a plug-in hybrid. Other than these, there are no PHEV options for now.

MG Hector Tomahawk

MG Hector Tomahawk

•12w•

@autocar.india Thanks 👍

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Posted on: 15 Aug 2026