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Indian carmakers widen powertrain bets as petrol share weakens
The Economic Times··31 Aug
Petrol's share has fallen in India's automobile market, but carmakers are widening their powertrain bets, industry executives said. CNG, diesel, hybrids, EVs and plug-in hybrids are all competing as buyers have not moved en masse to a single alternative. JSW MG Motor India MD Anurag Mehrotra said at the Hector Tomahawk launch that customers need freedom to choose their pathway.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Buyers asking about CNG, hybrid and EV options before purchase may see more variant choices across segments.
- A Delhi-based dealer said running cost and convenience both matter when customers compare powertrain options.
- Engine programmes, battery capacity and supplier investments must be planned years ahead despite shifting preferences.
What's Happening
- JSW MG Motor India launched the MG Hector Tomahawk in EV and plug-in hybrid variants recently.
- Ravi Bhatia of Jato Dynamics said the market is moving from one dominant powertrain to a more fragmented one.
- Industry executives said diesel remained relevant while EVs are growing and hybrids have found a sizeable niche.
Why Carmakers Are Hedging Multiple Technologies
- China's rapid electrification did not produce an immediate winner in battery-electric vehicles alone, experts noted.
- Plug-in hybrids and range-extender vehicles gained momentum there as consumers weighed range and charging availability.
- Mehrotra said the future of mobility will not be defined by a single technology solution.
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