With rising fuel prices and alarming growth in pollution, automobile owners are seeking ways to be more environmentally sensitive while still saving costs. While electric vehicles are a fantastic choice, a lack of charging infrastructure is holding them back.
This is where hybrid vehicles come into play. A hybrid vehicle relies on multiple power sources, including a diesel or petrol engine and an electric motor. Since both operate together to turn the wheels, they are far more fuel efficient but also not as unreliable as EVs.
Here are the most affordable Hybrid Cars in India:
Honda City e: HEV hybrid
Price: Rs 19.89 (ex-showroom Delhi)
Pros
Sips less fuel
Smooth and Refined
Cons
Expensive
Limited Boot Space
Recently, the Honda City e: HEV was introduced in India, with an ex-showroom Delhi pricing of Rs 19.49 lakh. The City hybrid is well-known for its refinement and excellent fuel economy.
Its unusual 1.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine is linked to two electric motors. One of them functions as an electric generator, while the other works as a propulsion.
The car transitions between electric and hybrid power on its own. How? It uses inbuilt computers with no human intervention. Various parameters control this, such as battery charge level, throttle position, and road speed.
The Honda City e: HEV has a 40-litre tank, a fuel economy rating of 26.5 km/l, and a range of 1,000 km. In terms of driving experience, the City e: HEV is equivalent to a typical hybrid. It provides smooth, linear power delivery and outstanding battery power.
Price: Rs 17.99 - 19.65 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
Pros
Incredibly fuel efficient
Sweet ride and handling balance
Cons
Limited Boot Space
Lacks Oomph
The Grand Vitara, which returns after a decade, is a fresh and unique twist on the successful mid-size SUV concept. The primary differentiator is its twin hybrid powertrains - mild and strong.
The powerful hybrid is more enticing since it packs more punch while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency - 27.97 km/l. It has a 1.5-litre petrol engine that, along with electric assistance, churns a total output of 115hp and 141 Nm of torque. It comes mated to an e-CVT transmission.
The strong hybrid cars offers nearly twice the fuel efficiency of the mild hybrid when driving in city limits at low speeds. This is because it relies on electric power when running at lower RPMs. The fuel efficiency does, however, somewhat decrease when you get to the highway since the speed rises and the gas engine begins to work.
Though the Grand Vitara strong hybrid is more expensive than any competitor, it is still among India's cheapest strong hybrid cars. Not to forget that the Grand Vitara does the conventional things also pretty well, with its strong road presence, well-balanced ride and handling, hushed cabin, and an extensive list of modern equipment.
Price: Rs 15.11 - 18.99 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
Pros
Incredibly fuel efficient
Upscale Inside and Out
Cons
Limited Boot Space
Lacks Oomph
The recently launched Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is amongst the most affordable Toyota hybrid cars. The mid-size SUV based on Maruti Suzuki's platform is offered with the same powertrains as the Grand Vitara, one of which is a strong hybrid.
The 1.5-litre engine collaborates with a hybrid system to generate 114 horsepower, thanks to an eCVT gearbox. In practice, the entire powertrain system is smooth and efficient. Toyota states that the Urban Hyrder strong hybrid has a fuel economy of 27.97 km/l.
But the hybrid powertrain isn't the only thing the Urban Hyrder has as a USP. It has a modern appearance and a rugged appeal, and it gets the fundamentals right with a well-judged ride and handling balance. The cabin is stylish, the seats are pleasant, and the equipment list is extensive.
Price: Rs 45.25 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
Pros
Refinement
Space and Ride Comfort
Cons
Expensive
Only one trim is available
The Toyota Camry is the next car on our list of the cheapest hybrid cars in India. The Toyota Camry is available in a variety of powertrain configurations worldwide. However, the Camry chose the hybrid route many years ago in India.
The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine collaborates with a battery and two electric motors to generate additional power and improve fuel efficiency. The hybrid Camry produces 218 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque and is equipped with a CVT transmission.
The hybrid Camry isn't intended for setting drag strips on fire. Rather it moves smoothly and comfortably. Also, thanks to the TNGA platform, the back battery pack has been relocated beneath the rear seat, decreasing the car's centre of gravity and ensuring better handling. Toyota claims a fuel economy of 19.1 km/l.
Considering the current state of the environment, hybrid cars in India are the best option for you. It blends a classic combustion engine with an electrical system, giving you the best of both worlds.
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