Renault India is sharpening its focus on a multi-fuel strategy as it prepares for the next growth phase in the country’s automotive market. While the French company has ruled out a return to diesel, Renault has reinforced its commitment to CNG and Ethanol, and is actively evaluating range extender technology and hybrids as part of its long-term plans.

1. Renault India studying range-extender hybrid tech
2. Renault hybrid SUVs will launch after petrol versions
3. International-spec Duster gets 140hp strong-hybrid powertrain

Renault India hybrid plans

No mild-hybrid powertrains for Renault India

UK-spec Duster's engine used for representation only.

“India is a multi-fuel, multi-strategy automotive landscape. Not everyone can invest in everything, so deciding which direction to take is crucial,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, managing director & CEO of Renault India. “We’re already present in CNG. As for hybrids, we’re exploring that, but it has to be meaningful. Mild-hybrids don’t make an impact,” he said.

Renault is also studying range extender systems that combine a compact internal combustion engine with an electric drivetrain. “We’re exploring it. I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m still learning,” he added, hinting that localisation of such technologies could follow in due course.

Renault Duster hybrid launch planned for same year as petrol model

Sources say the hybrid powertrain will likely be available in the upcoming Duster and its 7-seat counterpart, the Bigster. Timelines are yet to be finalised, but people in the know add that the company is trying to make its hybrid solution ready the same year the Duster and Bigster SUVs launch. Mamillapalle offered no comment, but added that multiple technologies are being explored.

Renault Duster hybrid on sale abroad

Duster mild-hybrid gets 130hp turbo-petrol engine

The 7-seat Bigster is also India-bound.

In select markets abroad, the Renault Duster has gone on sale (it's sold as a Dacia in some countries) with mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid engine options. A 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor is also available, giving potential Duster buyers in those markets a mild-hybrid option.

Duster hybrid gets 140hp powertrain

The strong-hybrid option is a 94hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors (a 49hp motor and a high-voltage starter generator) that are driven by a 1.2kWh battery; the total system output is 140hp. An electric automatic gearbox is standard, and the brand says that the setup allows for pure electric drive for up to 80 percent of city driving. It remains to be seen if the India-spec Duster hybrid uses the same setup.

While the Duster in international markets also gets an LPG powertrain and 4x4 option, both bits are unlikely for our market. Renault had offered the previous Duster here with AWD tech, though the new model's electric rear axle may not make it too cost-effective for our market.

With inputs from Rivan RS