Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Honda Cars India believes that India’s transition towards cleaner mobility cannot be driven by electric vehicles alone, with the automaker arguing that hybrids will continue to play a crucial role alongside EVs as charging infrastructure develops across the country. The company is therefore pursuing a multi-powertrain strategy that includes strong hybrids, battery-electric vehicles and potentially other alternative energy solutions in the future.
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Speaking to Auto Today, Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said the country’s varied customer requirements demand multiple powertrain solutions rather than a single approach.
India’s diverse market needs more than one solution
“India is such a big market with a very diversified customer base. A lot of people want EVs because they have charging infrastructure at home and office. For them, EV is the right choice. But there are many customers who want to reduce fuel bills and achieve higher efficiency, yet cannot opt for EVs because charging infrastructure is not available to them. For such customers, hybrids are a very good solution,” Behl said.
While Honda has globally committed to achieving carbon neutrality, Behl emphasised that the path towards that goal in India will not be limited to battery-electric vehicles.
“Going to EVs is not the only solution for the Indian market. We need to have multiple solutions. Today we are talking about hybrids and EVs, but a few years later we may be discussing alternate energy sources as well. The route to growth for India is not one. That’s why we have hybrids, we will have an EV coming this year, and we will also have a next-generation hybrid in the future,” he added.
City e:HEV currently leads Honda’s hybrid portfolio
Honda’s current electrified portfolio in India consists of the City e:HEV, which remains the company’s sole hybrid offering. Priced at Rs 20.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the sedan employs Honda’s self-charging two-motor hybrid system paired with an e-CVT transmission. The powertrain develops 126bhp and 253Nm of torque while delivering a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.26kmpl. The system automatically switches between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive modes depending on driving conditions.
ZR-V hybrid to strengthen lineup
The Japanese carmaker is now preparing to strengthen its hybrid lineup with the introduction of the ZR-V hybrid SUV. Imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) from Japan, the ZR-V marks Honda’s return to the premium mid-size SUV segment.
Powering the ZR-V is a 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine coupled with Honda’s dual-motor e:HEV hybrid system and e-CVT gearbox. The setup produces a combined 184bhp and 315Nm of torque, while offering a claimed fuel efficiency of 22.79km/l. Like the City e:HEV, the SUV can seamlessly alternate between Electric Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive modes to optimise efficiency and performance.
Honda’s first India-focused EV under development
At the same time, Honda is also accelerating its EV plans for India. The company has already commenced road testing of its first electric SUV for the domestic market, based on the Honda 0 Alpha concept that was unveiled globally at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
The upcoming EV will be manufactured in India for both domestic and export markets and is being developed under Honda’s “Thin, Light and Wise” philosophy, which focuses on lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency and intelligent packaging. Despite its sleek design, the SUV is expected to offer ground clearance suitable for Indian conditions while maintaining a spacious cabin.
The production-spec version of the Honda 0 Alpha is expected to arrive in India around 2027, signalling Honda’s entry into the country’s increasingly competitive electric SUV space.
Honda’s strategy reflects a broader view of India’s evolving mobility landscape, where hybrids are expected to serve as a bridge technology while charging infrastructure and EV adoption continue to expand. Rather than backing a single technology, the company appears committed to offering a mix of powertrain options tailored to varying customer needs and infrastructure realities.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
