Hyundai India has announced that it plans to launch eight hybrid models here by the end of the decade. Though Hyundai confirmed plans to bring hybrid cars to India back in April 2024, the company has now disclosed the precise number of hybrid models on the way.
- Hyundai's eight hybrid models will contribute to goal of 52 percent 'eco-friendly' product mix
- Upcoming 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine may form the basis of Hyundai's mass-market hybrids
- Next-gen Creta, i20, Venue, Bayon, Palisade, and more could be part of hybrid line-up
Hyundai India model range to expand with hybrids
Eight of Hyundai’s 26 upcoming models will have hybrid powertrains
During its 2025 Investor Day, Hyundai revealed plans to launch eight hybrid models in India before 2030. These are part of Hyundai’s inbound 26-model onslaught for the Indian market and will comprise 16 percent of the carmaker’s line-up by the time they all go on sale. Additionally, the hybrids will contribute to Hyundai’s aim of having a 52 percent “eco-friendly” product mix by the end of the decade.
Recent CAFE 3 proposal incentivises carmakers to bring hybrids
A crucial reason for Hyundai betting on hybrids is the recently revised proposal draft for CAFE 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency), which is set to go into effect from April 1, 2027. The draft proposes a credit system, where every EV, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicle sold is granted a multiplier of up to 3. Plug-in hybrids and flex-fuel strong hybrids are counted as 2.5 for every unit sold, whereas strong hybrids are counted twice for every unit sold.
Hyundai already building a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with hybrid compliance
This incentivises carmakers to sell hybrids to offset emission penalties from ICE-powered models with higher emissions. Interestingly, Hyundai is working on a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which, as we understand, is being engineered for strong hybrid compatibility and may well become the bedrock for the carmaker’s hybrid powertrains in India.
Which Hyundai hybrid models are coming to India?
Bayon might be the first Hyundai hybrid for India
Hyundai’s aforementioned hybrid-ready 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is expected to debut in the Bayon crossover next year, which could also make it the carmaker’s first hybrid model for the Indian market. This engine is also likely to make its way into future updates of the i20 and Venue, setting them up to be a part of Hyundai’s hybrid portfolio, which will include models from both ends of the price spectrum.
Next-gen Creta will get a hybrid powertrain too
The next-gen Creta is also anticipated to be available with this hybrid powertrain when it launches in 2027, and as we reported last year, Hyundai is developing another hybrid SUV that’ll slot above the Alcazar and below the Tucson. This larger SUV is expected to arrive by 2027, too, and could be powered by Hyundai’s existing 1.5-litre petrol engine in tandem with an electric motor.
Additionally, the Palisade hybrid SUV is scheduled to launch in 2027 as Hyundai India’s flagship model. Being a full-sized SUV, the Palisade will most likely be offered with the 334hp, 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid setup that debuted earlier this year as Hyundai’s next-gen hybrid powertrain.
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