Citroen had promised that an electric version of the Aircross SUV would follow the launch of the petrol-powered version in about a year’s time. However, it’s been nearly two years since, and an electric Aircross still hasn’t materialised. Speaking to Autocar India on the sidelines of the Basalt X launch, Shailesh Hazela, CEO and managing director of Stellantis India, however, assured that EVs are still on the cards.
- Citroen’s 1.2-litre petrol engine is compatible with hybrid tech
- Launch timeline for EVs or hybrids is still unclear
“The EVs on the C-cubed platform are in the pipeline. We will introduce them when the market conditions are right,” said Hazela. The C3, Aircross and Basalt’s C-cubed platform was designed to be compatible with an all-electric powertrain right from the start. In fact, Citroen was one of the first carmakers to enter the mass-market EV space with the eC3, following up the petrol C3’s launch in just six months’ time.
However, the adoption of EVs in India has slowed down lately, and that could be a reason why Citroen has delayed the launch of its EVs. Moreover, the brand has been busy with revamping its combustion-powered portfolio, which itself hasn’t been quite the success Citroen would have hoped for, so EVs taking a back seat is understandable.
The case for hybrids
What’s interesting is that Hazela hinted that they are also open to hybrids. “The 1.2-litre petrol engine we have in our models is compatible with hybrid technology, and we will explore all possibilities in that regard,” said Hazela.
It would indeed be worth considering because Maruti’s and Toyota’s hybrids have shown that there is interest and demand for hybrids in our market. Plus, given the recent tax cut on hybrids with the GST reforms, there’s a possibility to price them competitively as well. It would also give customers a wider range of powertrains to choose from, thereby increasing its appeal. A definite launch timeline, however, is still unclear.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
