Hyundai to bring hybrids to India by next year

India might be one of the fastest growing car markets in the world, but it is yet to gather steam when it comes to hybrid cars. But giving a boost to alternative car fuel hopes in the region, country’s second largest carmaker, Hyundai is reportedly planning to roll out hybrid cars in India by next year.

Company MD speaks up

After we had recently reported that the Korean carmaker is planning to bring the Ioniq hybrid car to the country soon, MD and CEO of the Hyundai India, YK Koo told a television channel that the targeted year for 'soft hybrid' technology to roll out into the latest Hyundai products will be 2017. The mid-size segments will be the first pick in the process.

The report also claims that Hyundai is playing its cards close to its chest when it comes to revealing whether it will be a conventional electric-petrol or an electric-diesel hybrid powertrain, the 'Blue Drive' as it is called.

About the Ioniq

Talking about the Hyundai Ioniq, the hybrid concept first made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and is expected to first break cover in Europe. Out of the three powertrains showcased in Geneva, the plug-in hybrid variant is most likely to make its way to the Indian shores.

It is expected to be powered by an 8.9kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has an estimated pure electric range of 50km. Partnering the 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder petrol pot, it will be able to churn out a combined power of around 165PS.

India and hybrid cars

With the global automotive fraternity embracing alternative mobility solutions, electrification of cars has become the need of the hour. Offering support with schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles (FAME) India, the Indian government is also playing its part in this modern development.

Like various other carmaker, Hyundai too had showcased a hybrid car in the form of the Sonata plug-in at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year. And as the Korean auto giant inches towards an electric future in India, it won’t be a surprise if we also see electric or hybrid powertrains in popular products such as the Elite i20 and the Creta, in the near future.