Hybrids outpacing 'costly' EVs

Range anxiety and high upfront cost of electric vehicles remain big deterrent for many

- ARSHAD KHAN

THE popularity of hybrid vehicles in the domestic car market has seen a sharp surge over the past one year or so and a large section of consumers who were fence-sitting to buy an electric vehicle (EV) are now opting for a hybrid model. 

"For long time, I was confused between Nexon EV and Grand Vitara SUV as my budget ranged between ₹18-23 lakh. After much thought, I decided to go for Grand Vitara strong hybrid model. It has more space, strong road presence and eliminates range anxiety -related concerns," said Aman Sharma, a Bengaluru-based IT sector employee.

Like Sharma, range anxiety and the high upfront cost of ecars remain a deterrent for many to shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) to battery-powered vehicles. The surge in demand for hybrids after back-to-back launches by Toyota and Maruti Suzuki has given them a choice. In the past six months, passenger vehicles (PVS) with hybrid technology have outsold electric PVs. Hybrid vehicle sales stood at 52,500 units between October 2023 and April 2024 as against EV sales of 48,000 units during the same period.