BYD India Aims at Plug-In Hybrids Amidst Rising Demand

Overview

Since BYD entered the Indian market, the company has been perceived as an all-electric automobile manufacturer. But now, the company is widening its portfolio as it aims to introduce hybrid vehicles in India amidst the rising demand. 

Rajeev Chauhan, Head of the Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, indicated that the company is considering tapping into the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in our country within the next two years. 

He further indicated that BYD India is currently evaluating and conducting a feasibility study for the inception of the brand’s PHEVs in our country. In addition, BYD has been closely keeping track of the rising consumer interest in hybrid vehicles over the past couple of months. Subsequently, if the momentum continues, the Chinese automaker could introduce competitively-priced plug-in hybrid cars to India, derived from its global portfolio. 

BYD India also states that producing plug-in hybrid models is one of the company’s major strengths, which is why the automaker is considering this option. Plus, it wants to continue to evaluate the Indian market for 6-8 months more, so that the automaker takes a sound decision. 

The rising demand for hybrid vehicles is not only limited to India but also witnessed globally. Having said that, BYD has observed significant sales growth of plug-in hybrid models overseas, as the company sold around 1.7 million PHEVs out of the brand’s total sales of 3 million in 2023. 

Following that, BYD's competitors are also planning to shift to hybrid vehicles. Shanghai Automotive’s Indian subsidiary, JSW MG Motor India, announced its plans to introduce locally manufactured plug-in- and strong-hybrid vehicles. 

The Director of JSW MG Motor India, Parth Jindal, also stated that the company targets to become a leader in the new energy sector in India, as it plans to sell 1 million electrified vehicles by the end of the decade. 

All-in-all, the surge in acceptance of hybrid-based vehicles in India has made BYD and its competitors cater to the dynamic and evolving market in the Indian automotive industry.