It is no secret that hybrid cars are attracting the attention of more and more buyers in India as they promise a combination of an electric system and an IC engine, providing superior fuel efficiency, a silent ride when propelled by the electric system and good performance with the motor contribution to the power and torque output of the vehicle. 

Despite attracting a higher tax than the IC engine or electric vehicles in India at 42 percent as compared to the latter two which are taxed at 28 percent, hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Hycross and the Maruti Grand Vitara are selling god numbers in their respective segments.

As the demand for reduction in tax on hybrid turns vocal and state governments – the Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced a reduction in registration tax of a strong hybrid vehicle by eight to ten percent – begin to sops, hybrid vehicles seem to get into an advantageous position in terms of their market value and position. 

With this as a basis, the time may be right to ask if extended-range hybrids would make a good case for India? The extended-range hybrid technology in vehicles is promoted as a step towards full-electric, informed an industry source. It is led by China and as a technology subject to certain challenges, he added. 

With automakers like Stellantis and Ford gearing up to unveil range-extended hybrids in Europe, the challenge they are going to face is the European Union (EU) emission regulations. It would be necessary that such vehicles are excluded from the EU's 2035 combustion engine sales cut-off.

Essentially plug-in hybrids with a drive range of up to a whopping 2,100 km, the extended-range hybrid cars such as the two models (one is named Qin L) unveiled by BYD to challenge Volkswagen and Toyota in the Chinese market recently works in a manner that the electric power architecture, which is the foundation for achieving lower energy consumption and higher thermal efficiency, works smartly. 

In other words, the technology taps the higher thermal efficiency of electricity on the basis that the same amount of fuel can generate more electricity for the battery, directly enhancing the vehicle’s range. This in-turn should also explain the lower energy consumption factor. 

Providing an insight into the 2,100 km drive range claim by BYD for the two range-extended hybrid models it launched in China recently, an engineer mentioned that the company has simplified the conditions that govern the IC engine (this is unlike before when the IC engine handled various conditions as the sole powertrain) and have let the electric motor handle more. The result is an improvement in thermal efficient as the engine conditions are simpler. 

For a strictly electric vehicle company to enter IC engine manufacture and deploy it in its cars marks a significant shift in how the electric vehicle industry is responding to the market requirements. 

Innovating a powertrain such that the IC engine handles only 20 percent of what it handled as the sole powertrain of a petrol or diesel vehicle, BYD opted for a high compression ratio. The challenge this move presented saw the global EV leader from China to conduct over 240 combustion combination experiments to ensure the engine does not overheat, does not knock, does not experience reduction in power and speed and causing instability. 

The thermal efficiency of BYD’s engine is a very high 46.06 percent. That of the Great Wall Motor’s Hi4 hybrid system is 41.5 percent. The power density of the BYD system has gone up by about 70 percent, reducing significant the energy flow path losses. The overall efficiency achieved is about 92 percent. 

The cost of such a technology since it is at a nascent stage right now will be high. Its ability to cut down emissions by increasing the thermal efficiency is something that will put cars with such technology in a good position in India. 

The real excitement will however lie in democratizing this technology to bring it down to the volume production car level in the next three to five years. This will definitely make a good case for India. Ironically, the IC engine is not showing any signs of disappearing yet. 

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Kia India has announced a significant change to its leadership team, naming Sunhack Park as Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Joonsu Cho as Chief Business Officer (CBO).

As the new CSO, Park will head Kia India’s sales strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, improving operational efficiency and expanding the brand’s market reach. He brings over 28 years of international automotive experience, having held key leadership positions at Kia Headquarters in South Korea, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and India.

Cho, in his role as CBO, will be responsible for crafting business strategies, overseeing production planning and export logistics, leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic alliances to ensure operational excellence. He has over 32 years of leadership experience from global roles in Australia, the UK and Europe.

Sunhack Park, said, “I am privileged to take on the role as Chief Sales Officer. This is an exciting phase for the brand as we continue to expand our presence in a dynamic and evolving market. My focus will be on driving sales growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening our dealer and partner ecosystem.”

Joonsu Cho, said, “I am honored to assume the role of Chief Business Officer. Kia India has made remarkable strides in the market, and my priority will be to develop and execute robust business strategies that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.”

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RattanIndia Enterprises-owned Revolt Motors, a leading electric motorcycle brand, is strengthening its leadership team and has appointed Raghava Rao as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO).

Rao, a seasoned industry leader, comes with over two decades of diverse experience across the automotive sector, spanning two-wheelers, tractors, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

Prior to joining Revolt Motors, he has held senior leadership positions at Kinetic Engineering, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Piaggio Vehicles and TI Clean Mobility (Montra Electric).

Roy Kurian Joins Revolt Motors As President

Rao has expertise in channel sales, customer support, customer experience and market insights, with a proven track record of driving business growth and customer success.

Anjali Rattan, Chairperson, RattanIndia Enterprises, said, “We are delighted to welcome Raghava Rao to the Revolt family. His deep expertise in the automotive industry and proven leadership across multiple business functions will play a crucial role in accelerating our growth journey and further strengthening Revolt’s position as India’s No.1 electric motorcycle brand.”

Rao is an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (General Management Program), holds a B.Tech degree from BITS Pilani, and a PGCSM from XLRI Jamshedpur.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the new Thar with prices starting at INR 999,000. The vehicle incorporates design changes, comfort features and technology integration, engineered for urban travel and weekend adventures.

The popular SUV has gone home to over 300,000 customers, now features a new exterior, which includes a front grille, a dual-tone front bumper and R18 alloy wheels. The interior includes a black theme dashboard and a new steering wheel. It is available in six colour options, including two new additions: Tango Red and Battleship Grey.

For comfort and convenience, the Thar features rear AC vents for second-row passengers, a sliding armrest and a dead pedal (automatic transmission models). Door-mounted power windows, a rear-view camera and an internally operated fuel lid are included. The vehicle also has a rear wash & wiper and an A-Pillar entry assist handle.

The Thar is equipped with a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other tech includes Type-C USB ports and Adventure Stats Gen II, which provides off-road data such as a racing tab, altimeter, outside temperature and pressure, trip meter and steering direction.

Mahindra offers a range of engine options paired with transmissions – a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic – in RWD as well as 4X4 configurations.

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, Thar has become more than just an SUV – it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and a lifestyle that resonates deeply with our customers. At Mahindra, we are committed to listening to our customers and evolving with their needs, which is why the New Thar reflects both their feedback and our dedication to provide the best to our customers. By blending new design elements, smart technology, enhanced comfort and convenience features, the new Thar offers an unparalleled driving experience that empowers our customers to explore limitless possibilities in both urban and off-road settings.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new Aircross X SUV, the latest addition to its premium X-Series portfolio, with an introductory price starting at INR 829,000. The launch, the company said, is a key step in the brand’s Citroen 2.0 ‘Shift Into the New’ strategy, positioning the SUV as a feature-rich, spacious option for Indian customers.

The new Aircross X elevates its segment with significant interior and technology upgrades. The cabin features an enriched design with a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, chic gold accents and a bezel-less 10.25-inch infotainment screen paired with a 7-inch digital cluster. Comfort is enhanced with ventilated leatherette seats, diffused ambient lighting and the brand’s signature Advanced Comfort Suspension.

A standout feature is the introduction of CARA, billed as India’s first multilingual, intuitive in-car companion. CARA can communicate in 52 languages, control essential vehicle functions and prioritise safety with voice SOS and crash alerts. Driving convenience is further improved with Proxi-Sense Passive Entry, Cruise Control and a HALO 360deg Camera with Satellite View.

Emphasising the model’s safety credentials, the launch follows the recent 5-star Adult protection rating awarded to the Aircross 5S variant in the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).

The New Aircross X is available in 5- and 7-seater configurations with options for both ICE and CNG engines. Bookings are now open across all Citroen dealerships and online.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The new Aircross X is an SUV designed around the real needs of Indian families – space, comfort, safety and smart innovation. With the debut of CARA, we’re making everyday mobility more intuitive and personal. What makes the New Aircross X unique is that it blends the practicality of a family SUV with the premium feel of our X-Series design. It is a versatile SUV that’s aspirational, yet accessible.”

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