An internal combustion engine, usually powered by petrol, is paired with a battery pack and an electric motor to create hybrid technology cars, also referred to as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Compared to traditional petrol-powered vehicles, hybrid technology cars in India seek to increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
In simple terms, hybrid cars can produce electricity, store it in batteries, and then use that energy to power the vehicle. If you are considering an upgrade in your vehicle, you can come across the following kinds of hybrid cars in India.
Types of Hybrid Technology Cars
Mild Hybrid Car
Mild hybrid car’s electric systems support the combustion engine in the vehicles. A motor that helps with idle stop and start and satisfies low torque demands is powered by the battery charge. Fuel consumption is greatly reduced by these devices since they lessen the engine’s workload. With their Smart Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS), Maruti Suzuki brought mild hybrids to India, and Mahindra and MG Motors have since followed suit.
Powerful Hybrid Cars
Powerful hybrid Cars combine combustion and electric engines. The Strong hybrids can only operate on electricity since they combine the internal combustion engine with an electric motor that uses electricity stored in batteries.
Hybrid Plug-in Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid cars can be charged through the batteries. Compared to powerful hybrids, this kind of hybrid car allows for a longer driving range on electricity alone. In addition to charging the batteries, the engine increases the car’s range and provides more power at a faster speed.
Also Read: Types of Car Engine
Best Hybrid Cars in India
Maruti Suzuki Brezza
With a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza’s SHVS technology is among its most attractive features. An electric motor and a lithium-ion battery powers the Brezza’s mild hybrid technology, offering features like idle start-stop, regenerative braking, and torque assistance. With this hybrid technology, the Brezza can reach 19.80 to 20.15 km/l. But it is only available in Brezza’s automatic models.
Features of the Maruti Brezza Hybrid
- 9-inch TFT screen
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Wipers that detect rain for easy use in damp conditions
- Ambient interior lighting to improve the driving experience
- Using cruise control to keep a constant speed on roads
- Custom temperature settings using Auto Climate Control.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, a strong hybrid car is different from its competitors in the Indian automobile industry due to its (SHVS) Smart Hybrid Vehicle System technology. The Ciaz obtains an impressive economy of 20.28 km/l (4-speed torque converter automatic) and 21.56 km/l (6-speed manual transmission) with the help of an electric motor and lithium-ion battery for idle start-stop and torque assistance.
Features of the Maruti Ciaz
- Hybrid 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and real-time traffic updates
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility for smooth smartphone integration
- Multi-Information Display for convenient access to car data
- Climate control that operates automatically for individualized comfort
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers two hybrid systems – a robust hybrid and a mild hybrid – adding it to the growing list of hybrid technology cars in India. The 1.5L engine with the mild hybrid system has start-stop capabilities and can be connected to either a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.
In contrast, the robust hybrid system achieves an excellent 27.97 km/l when paired with a 1.5L petrol engine, offering both EV-only capabilities and combined power delivery. In order to smoothly handle the power transfer between the electric system and the petrol engine, the powerful hybrid version additionally comes with an e-CVT transmission.
Features of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
- Hybrid Connectivity of Smartphones
- Leather Seats with Ventilation Display Smart Playcast Audio System
- 9-inch Multi-Info 7-inch Display
- 2.5 Air Purifier
- Roof with a panoramic view
MG Hector
If we talk about a few of the strong hybrid cars in India, MG Hector has made it to our list. It has been instrumental in bringing MG Motors to the Indian automobile market. The MG Hector hybrid is powered by a mild-hybrid powertrain that includes a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 48V battery. The battery may be recharged via regenerative braking, which boosts fuel efficiency to an incredible 17.41 km/l. Regarding the drivetrain, the MG Hector hybrid has a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Features of the MG Hector
- Hybrid 10.2-inch HD Infotainment System with Touchscreen
- Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Features
- Two-Pane Panorama Roof
- Cruise Control
- Automated Climate Regulation
Honda City eHEV
With its self-charging robust hybrid system, the Honda City eHEV is a powerful hybrid vehicle in India. It has a combined power output of 126 PS and a fuel economy of 26.5 km/l. Its powertrain consists of a 1.5L i-VTEC gasoline engine and an electric drive traction motor (AC synchronous, permanent magnet), which generates 109 PS and 253 Nm of torque.
While the EV mode enables a silent and emissions-free driving experience, the hybrid mode employs the petrol engine as an electric generator to power the wheels.
Features of Honda City eHEV
- Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio, 8-inch
- Connectivity of Smartphones (Weblink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto)
- AVAS stands for Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
- Six airbags
- ISOFIX
- An electric sunroof that slides and tilts
- Parking Brake Electric
- Camera for Lane Watch
Also Read: Hybrid Cars Explained: Types, Functions, and Benefits
Let’s Break It Down
| Specification | Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | MG Hector | Honda City eHEV |
| Price Range(₹) | 8.34 – 14.14 lakhs | 9.4 – 12.45 lakhs | 11.14 – 19.99 lakhs | 14 – 22.7 lakhs | 19 – 20.55 lakhs |
| Engine type | K15C Smart Hybrid | K15 Smart Hybrid | Hybrid (Electric + Petrol) | 1.5 Turbocharged Intercooled Petrol | Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) |
| Engine | 1462 cc, Inline, DOHC | 1462 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC | 1490 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC | 1451 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC | 1498 cc, 4 Cylinders Inline, 4 Valves/Cylinder, DOHC |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual/ 6-speed AT | Automatic (TC) – 4 Gears | Automatic (CVT) – 5 Gears, Paddle Shift | Automatic (CVT) – CVT Gears, Manual Override | Automatic (e-CVT) – CVT Gears, Paddle Shift, Sport Mode |
| Average Mileage | 17.38 – 25.51 km/l | 20.04 – 20.65 km/l | 20.58 – 27.97 km/l | 12.34-15.58 km/l | 27.1 km/l |
| Seating capacity | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person | 5 person |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 litres | 43 litres | 45 litres | 60 litres | 40 litres |
| Boot space | 328 litres | 510 litres | 373 liters | 587 litres | 410 litres |
| Safety features | 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) | 2 Airbags (Driver, Passenger) | 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) | 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) | 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side Airbag, Curtain Airbag) |
Key Takeaway
As we look at the rapidly evolving automotive landscape in India, hybrid technology cars are emerging as a promising solution for a more sustainable and efficient future. They offer the best of both worlds—combining the reliability of traditional fuel engines with the eco-friendliness of electric power.
For Indian consumers, hybrids strike the right balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. With improving infrastructure and growing awareness, investing in a hybrid car is not just about upgrading your ride; it’s about making a conscious choice to reduce your carbon footprint.
The journey of hybrid technology in India is just getting started, but its potential is clear. Whether you’re drawn to fuel savings, cutting-edge tech, or contributing to a greener planet, hybrid cars offer a step in the right direction. It’s time to embrace the shift and be a part of the change. After all, every small step counts when it comes to building a better tomorrow.
So, what’s stopping you from exploring the hybrid way? The future is here, discover your perfect hybrid vehicle on OLX today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which was the first vehicle to operate on hybrid technology?
The Lohner–Porsche Mixte Hybrid was the first gasoline-electric hybrid automobile. William H. Patton filed a patent application for a gasoline-electric hybrid rail-car propulsion system in early 1889, and for a similar hybrid boat propulsion system in mid-1889.
Are plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars dependable?
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars have been in the industry for a long time and their market growth is proof that they definitely are dependable. Additionally, to give owners peace of mind, manufacturers usually issue guarantees on hybrid parts, including the battery.
Are ordinary repair shops able to service hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles?
In general, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars can be maintained at standard repair facilities. But you have to be conscious while selecting a service facility with expertise in working with electric and hybrid cars.
Can I go long distances with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid car?
Indeed, long-distance driving is a feature of hybrid and plug-in hybrid automobiles. Because of their capacity to switch between electric and petrol power, they can drive farther between charges instead of constantly refueling.
What is the concept of hybrid cars in India?
A car with a combination of two power-generative systems is generally known as a hybrid car. A conventional petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor – these two engines combine to power a hybrid car.
