Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India

TusharK · 24th April 2025, 11:14

Renault India has said that it is evaluating hybrids and range extender technology as part of its long-term plans for the Indian market.

Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India-screenshot-20250424-111144.jpg

Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director & CEO of Renault India, said, “India is a multi-fuel, multi-strategy automotive landscape. Not everyone can invest in everything, so deciding which direction to take is crucial.” He went on to state, “We’re already present in CNG. As for hybrids, we’re exploring that… but it has to be meaningful. Mild-hybrids don’t make an impact.”

When asked about range extender technology, Mamillapalle said, “We’re exploring it. I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m still learning.”

Renault is gearing up to introduce the new-gen Duster in India. Initially, the SUV will be offered with a petrol engine. However, reports suggest that a hybrid version is also in the pipeline.

The strong hybrid version of the Duster that is offered in the international market uses a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. It has a combined output of 138 BHP.

Source: Autocar India

Link to Team-BHP News

Vibhav-Van · 24th April 2025, 12:42

Another day, another piece of news about Renault saying they're 'exploring' and 'evaluating'. At this rate, even 2026 looks unlikely for the Duster.

For a commercial launch next year, engine and powertrain options should have been firmed up already and local supplier hunting should have started already.

NiInJa · 24th April 2025, 13:51

Renault's hybrid powertrain, the e-tech engines, started becoming mainstream in global market (EU) only by 2022-23. It is now available in Dacia models as well. If Renault was really interested, they could have started testing this powertrain here a few years back and understood how it works in Indian conditions. They are probably gauging the success of Toyota and Maruti's strong hybrid cars (Grand Vitara/Hyryder and Hycross).

Motard_Blr · 25th April 2025, 17:08

If Renault turns up to the market in a duster with mediocre features and over ambitious price, the Duster will be assured a slow death.

Renault has no brand recall today after wasting what they had during the initial Duster days thanks to a series of mediocre products.

The only thing that can save Renault in India is with big bang products, features and pricing.

If they insist on not meeting customer expectations, they should just shut their factory and go home.

As Americans say (but have not done in India), Go big or go home!

24th April 2025, 11:14	#1
TusharK Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Pune Posts: 7,417 Thanked: 65,668 Times	Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India Renault India has said that it is evaluating hybrids and range extender technology as part of its long-term plans for the Indian market. Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director & CEO of Renault India, said, “India is a multi-fuel, multi-strategy automotive landscape. Not everyone can invest in everything, so deciding which direction to take is crucial.” He went on to state, “We’re already present in CNG. As for hybrids, we’re exploring that… but it has to be meaningful. Mild-hybrids don’t make an impact.” When asked about range extender technology, Mamillapalle said, “We’re exploring it. I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m still learning.” Renault is gearing up to introduce the new-gen Duster in India. Initially, the SUV will be offered with a petrol engine. However, reports suggest that a hybrid version is also in the pipeline. The strong hybrid version of the Duster that is offered in the international market uses a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. It has a combined output of 138 BHP. Source: Autocar India Link to Team-BHP News Last edited by TusharK : 24th April 2025 at 11:15.
	(6) Thanks

24th April 2025, 12:42	#2
Vibhav-Van BHPian Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: TS-07 Posts: 161 Thanked: 495 Times	Re: Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India Another day, another piece of news about Renault saying they're 'exploring' and 'evaluating'. At this rate, even 2026 looks unlikely for the Duster. For a commercial launch next year, engine and powertrain options should have been firmed up already and local supplier hunting should have started already.
	(7) Thanks

24th April 2025, 13:51	#3
NiInJa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pune Posts: 1,186 Thanked: 4,628 Times	Re: Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India Renault's hybrid powertrain, the e-tech engines, started becoming mainstream in global market (EU) only by 2022-23. It is now available in Dacia models as well. If Renault was really interested, they could have started testing this powertrain here a few years back and understood how it works in Indian conditions. They are probably gauging the success of Toyota and Maruti's strong hybrid cars (Grand Vitara/Hyryder and Hycross).
	(4) Thanks

25th April 2025, 17:08	#4
Motard_Blr BHPian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bangalore Posts: 801 Thanked: 1,590 Times	Re: Renault evaluating range-extender hybrid tech for India If Renault turns up to the market in a duster with mediocre features and over ambitious price, the Duster will be assured a slow death. Renault has no brand recall today after wasting what they had during the initial Duster days thanks to a series of mediocre products. The only thing that can save Renault in India is with big bang products, features and pricing. If they insist on not meeting customer expectations, they should just shut their factory and go home. As Americans say (but have not done in India), Go big or go home!
	(1) Thanks