As we await the NGT’s decision on extending the diesel ban to 11 more cities across the country, manufacturers seem to be trying their best to tackle the situation. Mahindra introduced lower displacement engines of their popular SUV’s such as the Scorpio and the XUV500. The company also went ahead to launch the E-Verito, the electric powered version of the brand’s only sedan in India.
Now, even German luxury automobile manufacturer Audi seems to be planning on introducing a hybrid vehicle in India. Reports suggest that the company is planning to enter the Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) market. Joe King, head of India was quoted saying that in the coming years, one will see a refresh of the entire portfolio of the company.
Although there is no official information about any model that may join the company’s Indian portfolio, it is said that the A3 Sportsback e-tron could be the one. The model is Audi’s first attempt to make a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Equipped with a 1.4 litre TFSI engine, the power output ranges at 150 hp while the electric motor pushes the combined power output to 204 hp. The latter enables the vehicle to run a distance of 50 km whereas the total range is rated at 940 km.
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Currently the EV market in the country isn’t too teeming. A few products such as the E2o and the e-Verito from Mahindra, the Prius and the Camry from Toyota and the i8 from BMW are the only hybrid vehicles the Indian automobile market has to offer.
Source: Autocar Professional