Strong hybrids offer ‘a powerful way’ to cut emissions, transition to full electrification: Maruti executive

Hybrids have both an internal combustion engine and an on-board electric motor, with the two systems working in tandem to provide motive power.

In a strong hybrid vehicle, Bharti said that it is the onboard computer that optimised both the drive trains, the IC engine and the battery motor combination, and there was no option given to the driver to run the strong hybrid in pure ICE mode. On the tax treatment of hybrids versus EVs, he said it was for the government to take a decision on this issue while taking cognisance of how the technologies fit into the country’s overall electrification pathway.

Hybrids are generally viewed as offering an intermediate pathway to full electrification. In India, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, MG Motor India and Hyundai Motor have been betting big on EVs, whereas Maruti Suzuki’s approach towards the category has been far more conservative, with the latter not having a single battery electric vehicle in the market yet. However, in partnership with Toyota Kirloskar, Maruti has prioritised hybrids in its portfolio.

Currently, the Union Government offers clear tax incentives for primarily one category of cars, with practically all other vehicular technological platforms clubbed together towards the upper end of the tax bracket. India’s electric mobility plan is largely focussed on battery electric vehicles or EVs replacing internal combustion engine vehicles, with Li-ion seen as the most viable battery option for now.