Hybrid Cars Gain Traction Despite EV Growth: Hybrid Sales Surge 30% Last Year, Electric Vehicle Prices Remain Competitive

India’s automobile sector is undergoing significant changes. Despite being twice as expensive as electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid cars are gaining more trust among consumers. Between April and June, hybrid vehicle sales surpassed those of EVs. This trend highlights the increasing preference for hybrids over pure EVs in the country.

Data from Vehicle Dashboard indicates that between April and June, 15,000 EVs were sold, while hybrid sales reached 59,814.

The starting price for pure electric cars is around 8 lakh INR, while hybrid cars start at 17 lakh INR. Similarly, in the U.S., hybrid sales grew five times faster than EV sales in February, according to Morgan Stanley.

Why Indians Prefer Hybrid Cars Over EVs

• Mileage: Hybrid cars offer better mileage, about 25-30 km per liter on long routes.
• Lower Running Costs: Experts say hybrid cars have lower long-term running costs compared to EVs.
• No Charging Infrastructure Worries: Lack of charging infrastructure is a significant issue for EVs. Hybrids run on both fuel and battery.
• No Range Anxiety: EVs still face range anxiety. Hybrids alleviate this worry since they can run on petrol if the battery is not charged.
• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Experts believe hybrids help reduce carbon emissions and decrease expensive crude oil imports.

Hybrid Cars: Powered by Fuel and Battery

Hybrid vehicles use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) running on petrol or diesel and an electric battery. This combination enhances the car’s range and fuel efficiency. Besides traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, strong hybrids, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. This versatility makes hybrid cars a practical and efficient choice for many consumers.

Auto Companies Focus on Hybrids

According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, hybrid car sales in India increased by over 30% last year. This trend is prompting Japanese automakers like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota to emphasize hybrids over EVs. Hyundai also plans to launch its first hybrid car in India by 2026.