[TusharK]

Skoda is looking into the viability of introducing mild-hybrid models in India.



Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Skoda Auto said, “We've begun to see in Europe and China that having something in between a BEV and ICE is something consumers actually prefer at this point of time. In our [international] lineup, the Kodiaq and the Superb come in with a plug-in hybrid and an e-range that's higher than 100 kilometres.” Zellmer added, “However, the challenge with plug-in hybrids is the cost factor. In a cost-sensitive country, it's more advisable to look at mild hybrids, and strong and plug-in hybrids can maybe come in the upper segment.”



This is evident from Skoda’s current lineup of cars. The new Octavia facelift uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. However, the more expensive models like the Superb and Kodiaq feature a more advanced plug-in hybrid setup with a larger 25.7 kWh battery.

Skoda is also evaluating the MQB A0 37 platform for the Indian market. This architecture supports petrol-hybrid powertrains and will come with advanced electronics. Models based on this platform are expected to get features like ADAS, a 360-degree camera and more.

Source: Autocar India

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[fourwheels]

Too little, too late. They have missed the busy on the EV and the hybrid ecosystems. None of their existing models have any meaningful sales.

The only way they will become relevant again is to, possibly, follow the Japanese group and jump in to the deep end with strong hybrids. They will obviously need to get their house (read: cost structure) in order first. May actually have to bite the bullet on costs and jump in head first.

[Thyag]

Originally Posted by fourwheels

Too little, too late.

Well said !

This news is like a station master telling a passenger, "that train left yesterday itself"

These things they should have planned in India 2.0 itself, it just shows how lethargic & not market oriented these management personnel are. That too just analysing about mild hybrids, when strong hybrids are increasing in our market.

[darkgamer]

Isn't a mild hybrid just an automatic stop-start system? How would that help at all?

IMO a plug-in hybrid makes a lot of sense in India and would alleviate a lot of range anxiety. Use EV mode in all the city runs and fill up petrol on all the road trips. I just hope government removes the cess and reduces GST for these models.

[anshumandun]

Its 2024 for God's sake!

Mild hybrids are HISTORY. Suzuki milked mild hybrid technology to get tax gains. Consumers got products with decent fuel economy through mild hybrids.

Strong Hybrids is the PRESENT. Grand Vitara, Hycross, Hyryder all have seen good success.

Next generation Strong Hybrids and EVs are the FUTURE. Maruti is already developing the AMT equivalent of strong hybrids. Tata and Mahindra are going to launch a plethora of EVs.

How on earth can Skoda not see this trend and still consider mild hybrids for the future?? Beyond my understanding.

[Bhodrolok]

I guess it should be a strong hybrid system, mild hybrid is a joke. Most Vag 2.0 cars already come with a start-stop system.

We cant get plugin hybrids because "costs", strong hybrids are an absolute bore to drive because if you like to drive with any kind of enthusiasm, it just does not match up.

Here's to happy hyper miling for our strong hybrid brethren. Maybe BYD is the savior for the Indian market, words which I never thought I would write.