More hybrids launching in India this year

The uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of diesel in India has seen buyer interest sharpening around other forms of propulsion such as CNG, electric and even hybrid cars. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, for instance, which was first launched in 2013 and re-launched with a facelift in May last year, accounted for over 90 percent of total Camry sales (1,110 units) in April-March 2015-16.

With the increase in acceptability among Indians for hybrid cars, the Indian automotive segment is expected to see an increase in the launch of hybrids this year with the first one being the much-anticipated Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid carrying a price-tag of approximately Rs 1.05 crore (ex, showroom). Subsequently, Toyota is set to introduce the new edition of the Prius. Both the cars are expected to be launched around the festive season of Diwali later this year.

The XC90 comes with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine under the hood making 320hp. The motor combines with an 87hp electric motor driving the rear wheels only bringing the power up to 407hp. Talking about all-electric capabilities, the XC90 boasts of an over-40 km range, thanks to a 9.2kWh battery pack tucked into the SUV’s central tunnel.

The Prius, on the other hand is the first model to be developed on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform – a modular set of components designed to offer quicker, cost-efficient development of new front and rear-wheel-drive models. The Japanese carmaker claims improved handling characteristics for models to be built on this platform, thanks to a lower-mounted powertrain, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.  An updated version of the current 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powers the new Prius, in combination with a more compact nickel-metal battery-powered electric motor. It comes with three driving modes; Eco, Power, Normal, regenerative braking system, ABS, EBD and brake assist, front power seats and LED headlamps with DRLs.

But that’s not all; Porsche is also mulling the introduction of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid with a launch likely scheduled for this year-end. The Cayenne comes powered by a 333hp petrol motor, combined with the 95hp electric motor and 10.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack. A total power rating of 416hp and a combined system torque of 590Nm enables the sprint to 100kph from standstill in 5.9 seconds. An electric range of between 18km and 36km can now be achieved, depending on driving style, the carmaker claims.

Volkswagen, too, is working towards introducing the Passat GTE in India. However, instead of doing a conventional launch, the company is planning to initially bring in just around 10 or 15 cars to establish how feasible it will be for our infrastructure – both the roads and the electric power grid. The carmaker is unlikely to assemble the GTE in India, hence high import costs are expected to drive up the price to around Rs 40 lakh. The regular diesel variant would bear an asking price of Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid, and can be charged from a power socket apart from being able to charge itself as it drives. The company claims fuel efficiency of 62.5kpl, and a driving range of 1,100km with an only electric range of 50km. A four-cylinder, 1,390cc petrol unit making 156hp combines with an electric motor to produce 218hp and 400Nm of torque.

The government has raised its focus on promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in a bid to lend a boost to the nascent hybrid and electric vehicle industry, which is likely to encourage more carmakers to introduce more such vehicles in the market. While it has rolled out benefits such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles) scheme across the country last year, more recently, it reduced the excise duty on locally manufactured hybrid cars in Delhi. The latter resulted in prices of the Ertiga and Ciaz – equipped with the mild-hybrid systems – being reduced by Rs 55,000 to Rs 69,000 while the Toyota Camry Hybrid saw a significant price cut of Rs 2.30 lakh.