Automobile companies around the world are rapidly transitioning from ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles to full electrics. In India, however, the transition has been slow, given issues like limited charging infrastructure, post pandemic supply-side issues among other things.
Japanese car giant Toyota has taken a hybrid route towards its electrification journey in the country. On Friday, the company unveiled the new Innova HyCross. This new Innova will be powered by Toyota's fifth generation self-charging electric hybrid system and is the third hybrid launch from the car maker in the country. It had launched the Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV with a strong hybrid powertrain and also the Camry hybrid sedan earlier this year.
Globally, the world's largest car maker has been stepping up efforts to reduce carbon emissions. It has set a target to sell 3.5 million electric vehicles annually around the world by 2030.
The focus on hybrid-electrics in India is a step in that journey, say officials.
"As an organisation, globally we want to get to carbon neutrality and meet regulations. To meet that we will have to be sure about multiple technologies and multiple powertrain options. From that perspective, we are moving towards hybrid. We started with the Camry hybrid production. We have the Hyryder and now we have the Innova HyCross," said P.B. Venugopal, vice-president, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
The Innova has been a huge success for Toyota in India and over a million have been sold since it was first launched back in 2005.
The Innova HyCross will be sold in a hybrid powertrain, which includes a self-charging hybrid system with 2-litre petrol engine. A petrol-only model of the Innova HyCross will also be available.
Toyota claims a fuel efficiency of 21.1 km per litre on the hybrid model. Officials say, it is capable of running 40 per cent of the distance and 60 per cent of the time in EV mode.
"Sustainability continues to be at the core of our business. Hence, we firmly believe its high time to shift gears for a greener future. It is with the resolve of offering the most advanced, suitable and practical green mobility solutions to our discerning customers that we are introducing an all new model equipped with a highly efficient Toyota hybrid system," said Vikram Kirloskar, vice-chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.
Earlier this year, Toyota had announced plans to invest around Rs 4,800 crore to make electric vehicle components in India. So, the e-drive transmission on the HyCross hybrid will be made locally.
The Innova HyCross will be available from mid-January 2023. While it has opened bookings, the pricing is yet to be announced.
Notably, Toyota will continue to sell the existing diesel-powered Innova Crysta along with the Innova HyCross.
The Innova has been popular for its spacious interiors. The Innova HyCross retains the spaciousness that an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) offers, but now gets a design and proportions that are more leaning towards an SUV (sports utility vehicle). This design will be the biggest differentiator between the HyCross and the existing Innova Crysta, other than the powertrain.
The HyCross gets a longer wheelbase, too, at 285cm, which the company says will help the third-row occupants sit more comfortably.
The HyCross will also get a long list of features and on-board equipment, from safety to infotainment.