If you look into the matter further, petrol SUVs are gas guzzlers and battery-electric cars may not penetrate that much as the fossil fuel cars.
BHPian DRPSREDDY recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
I believe TATA and Mahindra cannot run for long with the trio of Petrol-Diesel-Electric only combo.
If you look at the government projected figures of 30% electric by 2030, shows that Petrol will last for another 30 years but Diesel may die in the next 15 years, if government decides to implement stricter emissions laws.
If you look into the matter further, Petrol SUVs are gas guzzlers and battery-electric cars may not penetrate that much as the fossil fuel cars. So, both Indian duos need to shift the Hybrid sooner than later as they will loose out to the Japanese as they are deep into hybrids. Hope they don’t lose an early war.
Here’s what GTO had to say on the matter:
100% agreed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Moving your posts to a new thread.
The petrol-engines of these large SUVs are royal guzzlers, giving 6 – 7 kmpl in the city. The market is signing off diesels which will only become more complex, cumbersome & expensive with time. The market is still a LONG way off mass adoption of EVs and there is still a massive market for ICE cars.
Hybrids are today’s solution. Just see how happy Innova Hycross Hybrid owners are! 15 kmpl – wow.
Here’s what BHPian Mr.S had to say on the matter:
I agree. Hybrids will be great during the 2025-2040/2045 odd phase (for the next 15-20 years). They will have a 15-20% share of Pie but more important in SUV Segment can go upto 30-40% & even higher in Bigger SUV. Won’t be surprised if Toyota will be selling 70% Hybrids of a Innova or Fortuner.
It will require huge investment though. 1000s of Crores & counting & will require maintenance across the chain including training of folks. Not an easy issue. And you wonder how good these guys will be. But next 15-20 years should have a big space for Hybrids in the 20L+ Segment. For Mahindra it is more critical than Tata given their dependency on Diesel & Large SUVs.
Tata sells 50% of its cars using 2 models -> Nexon & Punch, both of whom will have a big electric presence if the battery prices come down in the next few years & both of them are largely city cars ! It is a missed opportunity though ! Don’t know if these guys can invest along with the investment in Electric Cars !
Here’s what BHPian motographer had to say on the matter:
No doubt that Hybrids are one of the most lucrative options right now, but I don’t think Mahindra is having any plans of getting on the ‘hybrid’ boat as they have already displayed their prospective future EVs(Tata has explicitly said they have no plans for Hybrids). I also feel that even Honda which has one of the best hybrid systems will be bringing any more hybrids(besides City) to India. They have already displayed their intentions by not missing out on Elevate Hybrid and have said that instead they plan to bring Elevate EV within 3 years. Let’s see what plans they have with the other 4 SUVs that they intend to bring by 2030.
Here’s what BHPian Benoit had to say on the matter:
4 years ago, we wouldn’t have known EV would grow to this level. The numbers speak for themselves. The growth is and will be exponential.
On the other hand, i don’t feel so great about hybrids. The price difference do not justify the power or the fuel efficiency.
I think Mahindra is doing a great job. Explosive performance oriented ICE engines that will serve the present. A line up of EV for the future. On the other hand, Tata is doing okay with ICE engines. Their EV line up is very promising. I feel hybrids will not become mainstream, at least in the near future.
Here’s what BHPian ergon_9700 had to say on the matter:
I actually agree with DRPSREDDY. Diesels won’t last long. Max 20 years in my opinion. And for Petrol max 35 years.
Bigger engines especially turbo petrols are quite the guzzlers. XUV700 petrol is quite the guzzler especially the automatic version. Tuning can help but only to an extent. Mild hybrids can help to adding around 15% more economy.
Fuel economy as we know depends in several factors like engine efficiency, power loss, vehicle weight etc.
Hybrids even though they add weight, do use battery power to reduce strain on engine. Hence giving more economy. EV mode in stop go traffic. Also for people with long distance driving, hybrids are a natural replacement for those with diesel cars. Praying that the finance Ministry reduce Taxes on Hybrid cars.
But then we must note advances in EV battery tech. Toyota recently claimed a battery advancement that can give around 1000km with a single charge. But infra plays a big role even if you have high range.
Here’s what BHPian antz.bin had to say on the matter:
I doubt Tata and Mahindra will venture into the Hybrids. Hybrids have way too much equipment (i.e. cost) and very little govt support to rationalise the pricing.
Govt in all probability will not increase GST on EVs too much since EVs directly promote reduction in requirement of imported crude and promote domestic electricity generation. Hybrids don’t do either of that.
Already we have price parity with EVs w.r.t. Diesels and Hybrids. Creta Diesel AT, Grand Vitara Hybrid and XUV400 are priced the same, have the same interior and boot space. They also have roughly the same features (for the price). In fact the GV Hybrid actually costs substantially more than the XUV.
As of now, the XUV400 is the only EV which is >4m and also made in India. All Tata EVs are 4m segment, there is very little the Hybrids can do to compete. Larger cars also mean larger batteries installed which should alleviate some of the highway range concerns.
Its really a pity that sedans are on their way out. Sedans make ideal EVs with their long lengths, relatively low weight(vs SUVs) and lower drag coefficients making them more efficient overall.
Keyword: Tata & Mahindra will need hybrid-petrols that are more fuel efficient