Tata mulling CNG and hybrid powertrains for cars over 4m

Tata Motors is evaluating CNG and strong-hybrid powertrain options for models over 4 metres in length, our sister publication Autocar Professional has reported. While a CNG powertrain is offered in smaller, sub-4-metre Tata cars – the Tiago hatchback, Tigor sedan, and Punch and Nexon SUVs – a hybrid option is currently absent from the homegrown carmaker’s portfolio.

1. Tata sold over 1,20,000 CNG cars in 2024
2. Volumes are inching towards 1,50,000 this year

Tata’s powertrain diversification strategy comes ahead of the tighter CAFE 3 emissions norms, effective from 2027. High petrol prices and the government’s stance on diesel have also prompted buyers to consider alternative fuels. In FY2025, CNG posted the strongest powertrain-wise growth at 35 percent, followed by hybrid at 15.40 percent and electric at 15 percent.

Tata’s CNG and hybrid plan details

At present, all Tata models that are above 4 metres long – divided into over 4.3 metres (Curvv and the upcoming Sierra) and above 4.6 metres (Harrier and Safari) – are SUVs. “We are watching the 4.3-metre segment very closely. If we see demand there, we might extend our portfolio of CNG offerings in that segment also,” Shailesh Chandra, managing director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, stated at the brand’s Q2 FY26 earnings call. While exact details have not been disclosed, the Tata Curvv, which shares its 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with the Nexon, could also borrow the compact SUV’s twin-cylinder setup. Notably, Tata is the only carmaker to offer a CNG setup with a turbo-petrol engine.

“The hybrid, as I said, is reactive; we will study the market more from a competitiveness perspective. The obvious segments to look at would be the higher, bigger cars to start with,” Chandra said, while making it clear the technology remains in the evaluation phase. “[Hybrid tech] could be brought not just for emission reasons, but performance reasons also,” he had stated earlier this year. Chandra had also outlined Tata’s internal powertrain forecast: 30 percent EV, 27 percent CNG, 6-10 percent diesel, and the rest petrol; hybrid included.

With inputs from Ketan Thakkar and Prerna Lidhoo.