Hyundai will start equipping its vehicles with mild hybrid tech in 2017 with the first vehicle to get the green system likely to be the next generation Verna.
Hyundai has ambitious plans for India and has committed to launching two new vehicles in the country every year. The next launch from the Korean automaker is the Hyundai Tucson which is expected to be priced around Rs. 25 lakhs, sitting between the Creta and Santa Fe. The automaker plans to bring hybrid tech to India and the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid is being considered for launch.
Hyundai plans to equip its cars with mild hybrid, just like how Maruti Suzuki has done the same with SHVS on the Ciaz and Ertiga. Hyundai’s Mild Hybrid Tech will first be seen on a mid-size car, likely to be the next generation Verna, due for launch next year. No word on whether the hybrid tech will be seen on a petrol or diesel powertrain but the company already has the tech for hybrid and uses the same under the ‘Blue Drive’ moniker.
One of the most popular segments with hybrid tech is the D-segment where the Toyota Camry Hybrid is doing good numbers. Volkswagen and Honda plan to launch hybrid versions of the Passat and Accord in India in the near future respectively, although the segment leading Skoda Superb doesn’t use a hybrid system. Hyundai showcased the Sonata Hybrid at the 2016 Auto Expo and could bring the same here.
Mild hybrid tech is currently used by Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra (badged Micro Hybrid), with excise duty benefits being offered by the government under the FAME scheme to promote such vehicles. The biggest advantage of a hybrid vehicle is a boost in mileage and reduction in emissions.
Hyundai Mild Hybrid Tech
– Hyundai has been considering the launch of the Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid in India
– The company showcased the Sonata Hybrid at the Auto Expo in February 2016
– Hyundai will launch a soft hybrid, likely in the mid-size segment
– The mild hybrid system will give Hyundai excise duty benefits under the FAME scheme
Source – Auto.NDTV.com
