Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are still very new in India. In the coming months, several manufacturers are expected to launch PHEVs in India. This will bring more momentum into this segment. Here are four new plug-in hybrid models which are likely to launch soon. These are from companies like BYD, JSW Motors, and MG.
BYD has confirmed its intentions to launch a plug-in hybrid SUV in India. It will likely be the Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV. Likely to be out by end of this year, the Seal U DM-i will pair a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 18.3 kWh battery pack that uses Blade cells. It will likely have a combined system output of 323hp and 550Nm.
The combined driving range will be over 1200 km. The fuel consumption is claimed to be just around 4.8 litres per 100 km. The vehicle will have a pure-electric range of around 200 km under ideal conditions.
The Seal U DM-i will also come with features like a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, Infinity premium audio, ADAS, and more. It will feature vegan leather upholstery. This PHEV will likely be priced between Rs 45 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, ex-showroom.
JSW Group is gearing up to set up its own dedicated automotive vertical in the country called JSW Motors. A rebranded Jetour T2 i-DM is said to be its first launch here. This plug-in hybrid SUV is available as a five-seater in international markets and will arrive in India, around Diwali this year.
The T2 will compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, Skoda Kodiaq RS and others. It will have a rugged design and a powerful PHEV powertrain. It will mate a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors and a 26.7 kWh battery pack. This setup will be capable of making 380 hp and 691 Nm. The SUV will also have an electric-only range of 100-139km. The total driving range will be over 1000 km per tank of fuel.
Even this SUV will come loaded with features. A 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by Snapdragon 8155, wireless smartphone connectivity, 12-speaker Sony audio, panoramic sunroof and more are to be expected. Ex-showroom prices are likely to fall in the range of Rs 40-50 lakh.
BYD is also likely to launch the Leopard 8 PHEV in India sometime in the near future. It will become the company’s flagship product when launched, and will excel with its off-roading abilities. BYD has already patented it in India, indicating an approaching market launch.
The Leopard 8 is a large body-on-frame SUV powered by a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. This mates a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motor and a massive 36.8 kWh battery pack. This setup produces 746 hp and 760 Nm of torque! It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.8 seconds. The electric-only driving range is around 100 km and combined figures are around 1200 km.
The Leopard 8 will have features like dual wireless chargers, 18-speaker premium audio system, triple-screens, auto park assist, ADAS and more. Prices are expected to fall in the Rs 70 lakh- 1 crore bracket.
MG Motor India is also gearing up to enter the plug-in hybrid segment with the Starlight 560. This SUV has is likely to launch around the festive season and will make its India debut on July 16th.
Based on the globally sold Wuling Starlight 560, it will be offered in a seven-seat configuration. The Starlight 560 will come with features like a 12.8-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, connected car technologies, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, and more.
The India-spec will likely use a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery pack. This setup will make 197hp and 230Nm. The vehicle will be able to do the 0-100 kph sprint in just 9.7 seconds and will have a top speed of 170 kph. The electric-only range will be around 100km while the combined figures will be over 1100 km. Ex-showroom prices are likely to sit in the Rs 25-35 lakh bracket.
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