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India has EVs, Strong Hybrids, Mild Hybrids but No Affordable Plug-in Hybrids: This is Why
India’s automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, with a clear focus on electrification and sustainability. The market today is brimming with electric vehicles (EVs), strong hybrids, and mild hybrids. However, there’s a conspicuous absence in this line-up: affordable plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
First, what is a plug-in hybrid?
A strong hybrid car has an electric motor as well as an internal combustion engine. The car may run on only the electric motor sometimes, only the petrol engine, or both simultaneously. This means that unlike an electric car, the plug in hybrid (PHEV) does not run out of charge and die on the road. It can continue running perfectly using its petrol (in some cases diesel) engine.
You do not have to worry about charging points on a long trip. The next fuel station will give you all the range you need. And when you are back home, you can charge it normally.
The Current State of Indian Automotive Market – No PHEVs
The Indian car market has shown a robust inclination towards electrification, primarily driven by environmental concerns and government incentives. EVs have gained considerable traction, thanks to initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme, which offers subsidies to electric and hybrid vehicle buyers. Strong hybrids, which combine a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system, have also found a place in the higher segments of the market. Mild hybrids, offering a more economical hybrid solution without the complexities of a full hybrid, are also becoming popular.
Among strong hybrids, the Toyota Innova Hycross, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder are all selling well, and together are selling more than pure EVs.
The Absence of Affordable PHEVs – Why?
Plug-in hybrids sit between traditional hybrids and fully electric vehicles. They offer a limited all-electric range before a conventional engine takes over. Despite their advantages, such as reduced range anxiety and lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles, PHEVs are notably absent in the affordable segment of the Indian market.
India has two relatively affordable PHEVs from Volvo – the XC40 Recharge and the C40 recharge. They are priced Rs 57 lakhs and Rs 63 lakhs respectively.
The main reason
Cost. PHEVs, as they can run comfortably for long distances using their petrol engine, need a proper engine (and not a high-efficiency Atkinsons’ Cycle engines which are used in strong hybrids to charge the battery.
Next is a larger battery. As they are also expected to run like a regular EV and offer a good electric-only driving range, their batteries have to be powerful enough for that purpose. Now add the cost of a full-fledged ICE engine to it, and you have high costs.
Government Policies
Indian government policies have been more favorable towards EVs, with less emphasis on hybrids and nothing at all on plug-in hybrids. Subsidies and incentives are primarily targeted at fully electric vehicles, making PHEVs a less attractive option for both manufacturers and consumers.
Consumer Preferences
Customers in India are not even given the option, except at the high-end luxury market where you can find PHEVs. Such as this BMW XM luxury SUV we featured recently which can offer an astounding 62 kmpl. But the cost? Rs 3.6 crores. You see the problem.
While PHEVs offer a balance between electric mobility and traditional fuel-based vehicles, their absence in the affordable segment of the Indian market is due to a combination of infrastructural, economic, policy, and consumer preference factors. As the Indian automotive market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether PHEVs will find their footing or if the future will be dominated by fully electric and hybrid vehicles. The ongoing development in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and government policies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of PHEVs in India.
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