Kia Explores Hybrid Cars - Assessing Options For The Indian Market

Kia Motors India is currently exploring the idea of adding hybrid vehicles to its range. The company has shared plans to potentially bring in a series of robust hybrid petrol cars in the coming years. Although specific details, like technical specifications and the models that will feature hybrid technology, remain limited at this point, the brand is actively considering this eco-friendly addition to its lineup.

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Kia Eyes Hybrid Vehicles In India

During a media interaction (source), Mr Tae-Jin Park, Kia India's Managing Director and CEO, discussed the possibility of introducing hybrid vehicles. He highlighted their interest in bringing forth new hybrid technology as a potential substitute for diesel. Park emphasized the enduring demand for diesel, which currently makes up 40 per cent of total sales. He assured that Kia plans to keep offering diesel vehicles as long as regulations permit. In simpler terms, Kia is considering hybrids as an alternative, but diesel vehicles will still be available as long as rules allow.

Kia has hybrid models in its lineup in the international market, showcasing advancements in eco-friendly technology. These models include the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Kia Niro, and Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. What sets the Sorento Hybrid and Niro apart is their use of the Full Parallel Hybrid system, seamlessly blending electric and gasoline power. Importantly, these models eliminate the need for external charging since the electric motor adeptly generates and stores power during regular vehicle operations.

On a different note, the Kia Stonic and Rio fall into the category of Mild Hybrids, akin to Self-Charging Hybrids but equipped with a more compact battery. Unlike some hybrids, these models can't operate solely on battery power. Instead, the modest battery serves a crucial role in supporting the petrol or diesel engine, optimizing fuel efficiency in the process.

Shifting focus to Kia's plans for the Indian market, there are reports indicating Kia's commitment to electrification. Specifically, the company is diligently working on adapting its existing 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines for the Indian market.

Intriguingly, the current trend in India's automotive market suggests an interesting shift: hybrid vehicle sales have outpaced electric vehicle (EV) sales on a monthly basis, despite a limited variety of available models. Between September and November 2023, sales figures reveal that strong hybrid vehicles notched up 24,026 units, surpassing the 21,445 EVs sold in the same timeframe. This indicates a noteworthy turning point where hybrid cars consistently outperform their electric counterparts.

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It's noteworthy that the current lineup of midsize hybrid vehicles faces a relatively higher GST rate of 43 per cent, in contrast to the 5 per cent for EVs. However, a promising development on the horizon is the impending launch of the Kia compact SUV, codenamed AY, expected to bridge the gap between the Sonet and the Seltos. Equipped with a 1.2-litre hybrid powertrain, this SUV is poised to fall into a lower 28 per cent tax bracket for sub-four-metre cars. This strategic move is anticipated to narrow the price difference between hybrids and EVs, potentially making hybrids more accessible to consumers.

Looking ahead, the introduction of this new Kia compact SUV, slated for an early 2025 release, could mark a significant entry for Kia into the strong hybrid vehicle market. It's worth noting that Hyundai, Kia's sister brand, is also likely to adopt the same powertrain for its future SUV models.

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