Tata Motors, traditionally focused on EVs, is now open to introducing hybrid vehicles if market conditions demand it. MD Shailesh Chandra stated that hybrids could be considered not just for emissions, but also for performance and competitiveness
While Tata Motors acknowledges hybrid technology as a possibility, it has not outlined any concrete plans or revealed concept models. The company’s current strategy does not prioritise hybrids, indicating that any such move would be reactionary rather than strategic.
According to Tata’s internal projections, 30% of future sales are expected from EVs, 27% from CNG, 6-10% from diesel, and the rest from petrol, including hybrids. This suggests that while hybrids may have a role, EVs remain the core focus.
Shailesh Chandra expressed concern that state-level subsidies for hybrids are disrupting EV growth. He noted that in one state offering hybrid incentives, EV penetration stagnated at 1.5%, compared to the national average, which rose to 4%.
Despite limited hybrid models in the market, their share has grown from less than 1% to around 2.5%, mainly due to favorable tax policies. Chandra warns that such benefits could dilute India’s EV policy momentum, urging the government to focus subsidies on EVs.