Hybrid vehicles can curb carbon emissions and ease range anxiety, says Piyush Goyal

Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal

At a time when carmakers are upping the ante on electric vehicles (EVs), Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal has eulogised about cars that are run on hybrid powertrains. He said his viewpoint on hybrid vehicles has changed over time.

“I was against hybrids, but I changed my mind,” Goyal said at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit. He reasoned that further research helped him appreciate hybrids, especially plug-in versions, as practical transitional vehicles.

In layman’s term, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses both an internal combustion engine (usually petrol) and an electric motor to power it.

The minister highlighted that plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which relies on an external source of electricity to power an electric motor and propel the wheels, can alleviate range anxiety, lower fuel consumption, and reduce dependence on petrol.

According to data from JATO Dynamics India, the sale of hybrid cars, including both strong and plug-in versions, increased by 27 percent between January and July 2024, reaching 51,897 units from 40,811 units a year back. The surge highlights a growing acceptance of hybrid vehicles among Indian consumers.

However, Goyal's comments are in dissonance with G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who had earlier categorically stated that hybrid vehicles are only the “intermediate step” towards complete electrification.

Red carpet for Tesla

Goyal expressed his interest in bringing in global EV manufacturers, including Tesla, for setting up manufacturing operations in the country. “We will be very happy to welcome all companies from across the world to come and invest in India, to make electric vehicles here.”

He also highlighted government incentives like EV Policy and PM e-Bus Seva Yojana, which underscore India’s commitment to sustainability and move towards carbon neutrality. “Today, on a total cost of ownership, it just doesn’t make sense to buy anything but an electric vehicle,” Goyal stated, adding that now is the “right time” for the shift (towards EVs). He also urged automakers to adopt electrification strategies promptly, as many aim for net-zero transitions between 2030 and 2035.

In his speech, Goyal shared optimism for future international cooperation with the United Stated. “I am sure we will work very well with the (Donald) Trump administration,” he affirmed, adding that the newly elected president advocates peace and greater dialogue and diplomacy in the world.