KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Mahindra MD speaks on Hybrid Mahindra SUVs
- Hybrid cars currently account for 2% of total car sales by volume
- Mahindra SUV with hybrid tech is a possibility albeit with conditions
Bridging the gap between a fully electric vehicle and a fossil-powered vehicle is the option of the strong hybrid! While Maruti Suzuki and Toyota already offer an SUV and an MPV with strong Hybrid tech, Mahindra has been a little quiet about it, but only until now. There is now an official statement where this topic was touched upon revealing the future of a Mahindra SUV with a strong hybrid tech. Keep on reading to know when you can expect the same, but before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads to never miss out on any updates from the automotive world.
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Mahindra SUV With Strong Hybrid? A Near Future Possibility!
What takes the range anxiety away from an EV and the woes of nominal fuel efficiency from the ICE vehicle? A hybrid car! After Suzuki and Toyota, you might finally have a Hybrid Mahindra SUV. During an official briefing, MD Mahindra, Mr. Anish Shah conveyed the brand's approach towards this. He said that Mahindra is observing the market closely for the demand for hybrid vehicles. And if the demand increases, Mahindra will introduce a Hybrid SUV as well.
He stated, "We view Hybrids as an extension of ICE; it's a slightly different powertrain. And to the extent that it's required, we'll be ready with that. If there's a significant change in hybrid technology that causes it to be much more like an EV, then that's something we'll move into much faster. At this point, we feel good about our focus on EVs. We'll be ready for hybrids. We're looking at the hybrid technologies closely and we'll continue to act upon it,". Interstingly, Mahindra XUV400 is the only EV that the brand has in its portfolio.
Also Read- 5 Features Mahindra XUV 3XO Offers That Tata Nexon Doesn't
However, if you have been following the recent developments, the government has set aside any possibility of tax cuts for hybrid vehicles, which are already expensive to manufacture. Talking about this, he continued, "I know there's been a lot of debate on hybrids but government incentives are typically to enable an industry to transition to a place that's better for the economy. Electric vehicles (EVs) have no emissions. They have got much lower fuel import because they don't use fuel.
Currently, hybrid vehicles account for a mere 2% of the total car sales volume in 2023. While this segment is gaining popularity, the government has decided to refute any tax relief. This is a global pattern where the impetus is being focused on pure electric vehicles that produce no emissions.
Verdict
A hybrid Mahindra SUV is not just a thought and while it comes from the Mahindra MD, Mr. Shah, there are some key pointers that affects its due course. While the sales of hybrid cars are gradually picking up, the brand is observing the space and will act accordingly. However, it is important to note that since hybrids are an expensive affair, it all relies on how Mahindra positions it, if and when launched. Till then, nothing is off the table!
