In a major strategic shift – and a pivot away from an EV-only strategy – Korean carmaker Hyundai has said it will launch eight hybrid models in India by 2030. At the Hyundai Motor India Investor Day on October 15, it said that it foresees hybrids accounting for a substantial chunk of the company’s portfolio, emerging as a challenger to the established hybrid dominance of Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, and Honda.
Which will be the models?
Hyundai has a robust hybrid line-up globally. These include hybrid versions of the Palisade, Elantra, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Azera, i30, Sonata, and Staria. But none of these models are expected to be launched in India as such, and instead Hyundai is likely to develop hybrid versions of popular models such as the Creta.
Why not the above models?
Importing these models or even assembling them using completely knocked down kits (CKD) would make them significantly expensive, pricing them out of the mass market. An automotive expert told FE that a more practical approach will be to develop hybrid versions of popular models such as the Creta. “The Indian market is heavily dominated by compact and midsize SUVs, and models like the Creta and Venue are volume drivers, and therefore developing hybrid versions of such models can ensure high sales volumes and a better return on investment in the hybrid technology,” an expert said. “As we’ve seen with Toyota and Maruti Suzuki, that is where the market is – they have popular hybrid midsize SUVs such as Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Grand Vitara and Victoris, respectively.”
Will hybrid sedans come?
While globally Hyundai sells the Elantra hybrid, it’s in a segment that has shrunk considerably in India – all but finished, with the Skoda Octavia the only premium sedan remaining – but in case Hyundai develops the hybrid powertrain for the Creta, it can be replicated in the Verna midsize sedan.
What about the i20 hybrid?
That’s another possibility. Maruti Suzuki is reportedly developing a hybrid system for the Fronx/Baleno, because it foresees good demand in the premium hatchback and compact SUV segments. Considering that Hyundai is planning to launch eight hybrid models, the i20 – which enjoys good demand – is a strong contender for a hybrid system.
What about CNG cars?
Like Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, Hyundai India has also started heavily focusing on CNG, and alongside EVs and hybrids, CNG has become a core part of Hyundai’s diverse powertrain strategy for reducing emissions. It currently sells models such as the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and Exter, under the Hy-CNG Duo brand (featuring a dual-cylinder system for better boot space), and aims to introduce at least three new CNG-powered models by 2030. Even in CNG, models such as the Creta and Venue are strong contenders. In case the Creta gets both hybrid and CNG as options, it will become India’s only model to be available with the most diverse powertrain choice – petrol, diesel, turbocharged petrol, electric, hybrid, and CNG.
Strong contenders
Creta hybrid: The strongest contender for hybridisation.
Verna hybrid: If developed, it can take on Honda City hybrid.
Venue and i20 hybrid: Mild/strong hybrid variant in this segment would democratise the technology.
