Hyundai is actively developing hybrid technology for India in addition to EVs, with the first hybrid vehicle set to launch in 2026.
By 2030, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) plans to introduce five new EVs that are domestically produced in India. According to the most recent information, the Korean automaker intends to introduce hybrid vehicles in the nation; the first model may be on sale as early as 2026. According to sources, in addition to electric vehicles, the corporation is also considering other fuel options that might help it become more visible in the important markets. The car company, which also owns Kia, intends to introduce a hybrid mid-size SUV that will primarily be the same size as its best-selling Creta.
In the meanwhile, they think Hyundai’s best chance will be to integrate hybrid powertrains in the current generation of mid-size SUVs and sedans, which includes the Creta, Verna, Alcazar, and possibly the Tucson. There hasn’t been any formal confirmation of this, though; these are merely conjectures based on company insider information.
Kia India announced last year that it would introduce hybrid vehicles to the Indian market. Its current 1.2-liter and 1.5-liter normally aspirated petrol engines will soon be available in electrified form. Furthermore, the corporation affirmed that it will persist in marketing cars with diesel engines for as long as the pollution regulations permit.
According to a recent media report, it will become increasingly more expensive to continue using diesel engines after 2027 due to the need to comply with future emission regulations. For this reason, it makes financial sense for mass-market mid-size cars to incorporate hybrid technology in order to maintain competitive pricing.
In terms of the company’s investments in India, the goal is to have a production capacity of more than 1.5 million vehicles annually by 2030. Approximately Rs. 33,000 crore has been set aside for the domestic market. It is probable that this expenditure will be employed for both hybrid and fully electric automobiles.
Hyundai is preparing to introduce the Creta EV, which is the company’s first locally produced electric vehicle, in India very soon. The introduction of a hybrid powertrain in the existing models is also possible to occur around the same time frame. It will be followed by another mass-market electric model, which is scheduled for launch sometime in 2026–2027.
