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India’s move towards hybrid technology is gaining speed. Multiple strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range-extender hybrid vehicles are expected to launch in the coming months. Even Indian manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra have multiple products in the pipeline. These companies will introduce strong hybrids and range extender hybrids in the future. Here is a closer look at seven hybrid SUVs from Tata and Mahindra.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO, launched earlier this year, is now available with two engine options- 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol. It is based on a conventional internal combustion platform.

Mahindra is reportedly working on a strong hybrid version of this SUV, expected to arrive around 2027. Strong hybrids are quite familiar to most of us. In them, the petrol engine is mated to an electric motor and a battery pack. This setup allows the vehicle to run on pure electric power for short distances and internal combustion engine most of the time. The electric assist helps in reducing the fuel consumption and improves mileage.

This technology is already seen in models like the Toyota Hyryder and Innova Hycross. The XUV 7XO hybrid is expected to offer better fuel efficiency than the current petrol version. It could even become one of Mahindra’s first strong hybrids.

The XEV 9e, Mahindra’s popular electric SUV coupe based on the INGLO platform will also get a hybrid version in the coming years. Codenamed W623, this project will spawn a series hybrid SUV coupe. In a series hybrid setup, also called range extender EVs, the wheels are always driven by the electric motor. The petrol engine works as a generator to recharge the battery pack that powers the motor.

In the XEV 9e, a small capacity petrol engine (likely a 1.2L unit) will be used as the generator. This petrol engine works in its most efficient range. The hybrid XEV 9e has reportedly entered the testing phase. It is likely to launch around 2028.

The BE6 is an electric mid-size SUV based on the INGLO skateboard platform. It has a unique exterior design and a tech-heavy cabin. Like the XEV 9e, the BE6 hybrid will also get a series hybrid setup. The INGLO platform was not originally designed to accommodate an internal combustion engine or its ancillaries. A series hybrid system is the best bet in such a case. Though the launch timeline is not confirmed, it is expected to follow the XEV 9e hybrid.

Mahindra showcased the Vision S concept last year, along with the NU_IQ platform. This modular platform is designed to support multiple powertrains, including petrol, electric and hybrids. The production-spec Vision S is likely to get a strong hybrid option in the future. Technical details of this powertrain remain sparse at the time of writing. The production form of Vision S SUV is expected to launch in early 2027. It is unclear if the hybrid option would be offered from day one.

Now, let’s see what Tata Motors has in plans. First in line is the Sierra hybrid. The internal combustion Sierra is based on the ARGOS, a multi-energy platform. It has two petrol engines and a diesel engine on offer. Of these, the 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine runs on Atkinson cycle. It is likely to form the base for the hybrid version, expected to be out in the coming years. When launched, the hybrid Sierra will compete with models like the Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Duster hybrid and Victoris.

Another expected launch from Tata Motors is the Harrier hybrid. It was recently that the carmaker introduced the 1.5L turbocharged petrol (Hyperion) engine on the Harrier and Safari. The hybrid version, however, is expected to feature a naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will have a strong hybrid configuration, specifications of which aren’t known yet.

The Safari is likely to follow the same path as the Harrier. If the hybrid system is introduced in the Harrier, it will almost certainly be extended to the Safari, as well.

The Safari hybrid is expected to use the same engine and deliver similar performance figures as the hybrid Harrier. Both SUVs will likely deliver great fuel efficiency figures.