Plug-in Hybrid Cars:
There are many types of hybrid cars, mild hybrid, strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid. A plug-in hybrid is a hybrid car that is a bridge between fuel cars and electric cars. Because those cars have the ability to be used as a fully electric car or a fuel car. Click here to read more about hybrid cars.
Expensive Hybrid Cars:
Luxury car companies are the ones that launch the most plug-in hybrid cars. Also, the prices of plug-in hybrid cars are slightly higher. Currently, only luxury car companies like Mercedes-Benz are selling plug-in hybrid cars in India. Mercedes-Benz is selling two plug-in hybrid models in India, the S-Class Limousine and the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. These two models are priced at Rs 1.76 crore and Rs 3.30 crore respectively.
Government of India policies against hybrid model:
Central government policies are also one of the reasons why automakers are reluctant to launch plug-in hybrid models in India. Government of India is promoting hybrid cars like petrol cars in India. While electric cars are taxed at just 5%, plug-in hybrid cars with petrol engines up to 1200cc and diesel engines up to 1500cc are taxed at 28% and plug-in hybrids with engine capacity above 43%.
Tax cut for hybrid cars?
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has requested the Finance Ministry to reduce the tax to 12% when hybrid cars are being taxed so much. However, it has been reported that the Finance Ministry will not consider tax cuts for hybrid cars. This is expected to further reduce the possibility of low-cost plug-in hybrid cars being launched in India.
How plug-in hybrid cars act as a bridge between gasoline and electric cars?
Mild hybrid cars are pure fuel cars and cannot be used directly as an electric car. Strong hybrid cars are also fuel efficient cars. But, the strong hybrid technology present in it will help increase the mileage of the car. Plug-in hybrid cars have either a petrol or diesel engine, an electric motor and a battery.
Mild and strong hybrid cars do not need to be charged separately. However, plug-in hybrid cars use a slightly larger battery. So, we have to charge it from outside like electric cars separately. That’s why we call it a plug-in hybrid.
Plug-in hybrid cars have an average range of 60 km to 80 km. Therefore, it can be used as a fully electric car for short trips within the city and as a fuel car for long distance trips. Also, a plug-in hybrid is a great alternative for those who are skeptical about the utility of electric cars. Soon some automakers are expected to launch mass market plug-in hybrid models that everyone can afford, so let’s wait and see.
