Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automakers, has indicated a major shift in its powertrain strategy. Shailesh Chandra, Manging Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, revealed that the company might consider launching hybrid vehicles in the future, depending on market demand. If certain segments require hybrid technology to remain competitive, the company will bring it. Tata Motors is open for the idea of introducing petrol-hybrid vehicles “at different points in time”.
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As of now, the homegrown automaker has a major focus on electric vehicles (EVs). However, due to changing policies and growing demand of hybrid vehicles, Tata is now re-evaluating its strategy. Chandra further clarified that the company isn’t against hybrid technology, but rather “against the use of incentives benefit of a tech which is self-viable”. Just so you know, the states of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have recently announced tax benefits for hybrid vehicles, brining them closer to the incentives currently available for EVs.
Official statement:
Shailesh Chandra said “We will be hoping to use the [hybrid] technology to meet the value we would be hoping to deliver to the customer. We exist in a market to compete; we’re not against a technology; we’re against the use of incentives in benefit of a technology which is self-viable.”
“The issue for us is on the incentive side or any extraordinary benefit being given to hybrids, like taxation rates. Then the question is open for many technologies on the ICE side. Why digress the focus from destination technologies where you have barriers which have to be overcome? If there’s money to be put by the government, that should be on the destination technology.”
Tata’s Future Plan:
The homegrown automaker is all set to launch the next-gen Tata Sierra during the 2025 festive season. The SUV will initially be introduced with electric powertrain, followed by its ICE version. The Sierra ICE is likely to be offered with the 1.5L turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, and two gearbox options – manual and automatic. The Tata Sierra EV is expected to share its powertrain with the newly-launched Tata Harrier EV. It might get the dual motor setup and AWD system.
Tata Motors is also gearing up to launch the Harrier and Safari petrol SUVs in the current fiscal year. Both SUVs are expected to receive a 1.5L turbo petrol engine, delivering a maximum power of 170PS and 280Nm of torque. The existing diesel engine will continue to be on offer. The Tata Harrier and Safari petrol will look exactly similar to their diesel counterparts, offering the same cabin layout and features.
