Data from consultancy firm Jato Dynamics indicates that the Indian market share of hybrid vehicles is rapidly increasing.
In India, the share of passenger vehicles with hybrid transmissions—which combine an electric motor and an internal combustion engine—was 2.48% in the first quarter of 2024.
Following closely after, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 2.63% of the market during the same period.
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota spearhead sales
Leading the way in the surge in sales of hybrid vehicles are Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, which provide a number of highly desirable models.
It is rumoured that Hyundai and Kia, among other automakers, are considering launching their own hybrid vehicles.
According to industry experts, sales of hybrid vehicles may surpass sales of electric vehicles (EVs) as early as this fiscal year (FY), indicating a strong demand for these cars.
Hybrid vehicles: A viable answer to vehicular pollution?
In India, Honda is the only automaker offering hybrid automobiles besides Maruti Suzuki and Toyota.
Hybrids are becoming a serious competitor, even with the recent increase in popularity of EVs brought on by increased awareness of vehicle pollution.
The limited range of EVs due to insufficient battery recharging infrastructure is a major worry for prospective purchasers, particularly those who live outside of cities.
Conversely, hybrid cars are becoming more and more well-known for their excellent fuel economy and minimal emissions.
Toyota’s also leading with its self-charging hybrid tech
Thanks to its innovative self-charging hybrid electric car technology, Toyota currently leads the hybrid vehicle market.
This innovation enables cars to run on fossil fuels, electricity, or a combination of the two.
According to Toyota Kirloskar Motor executive vice president Vikram Gulati, these “strong hybrids” can travel 40% of the distance on electricity while turning off the petrol engine, increasing fuel economy by 40–50%.
