Skoda CEO and Chairman Klaus Zellmer recently announced at a SIAM conference in New Delhi that the company will introduce hybrid cars in the Indian market. He confirmed that Skoda’s strategy will not be limited to electric vehicles (EVs) but will also include mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles to meet varying customer preferences.
Zellmer emphasized that the market currently favors a diverse approach rather than focusing solely on EVs, which currently account for just 2% of India’s market share and are not expected to see significant growth in the next 3 to 5 years.
Several factors contribute to this limited growth in EV adoption, including early adopters having already purchased EVs, potential rollback of government subsidies, and underdeveloped charging infrastructure. Additionally, the price gap between EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles remains substantial. As a result, many major car manufacturers like Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Kia are doubling down on hybrid technology as a more immediate solution for future mobility.
Skoda’s focus on hybrids aligns with the impending Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and Bharat Stage 7 (BS7) emission norms set to be enforced in India by 2027. Hybrid cars offer a practical balance of fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and convenience without the range anxiety associated with EVs, making them a strategic choice for both manufacturers and consumers in the Indian market.