Hybrids And EVs Complement Each Other, Says Toyota's Vikram Gulati
Toyota India’s Vikram Gulati has reiterated the company’s position that hybrid and electric vehicles should not be seen as rivals but as technologies that can work together. He said both are essential to meet India’s decarbonisation goals.
Why Hybrids Still Matter
Gulati underlined that hybrids and electric vehicles must coexist if India is to achieve meaningful cuts in transport emissions. Toyota’s global approach has been to keep multiple powertrain options in play, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and pure electric vehicles. He said depending on only one technology is not realistic for India.
In his view, battery EVs fit best for shorter urban drives where charging can be supported. Hybrids, meanwhile, cover longer trips without needing charging stations. Toyota’s two decades of hybrid development, he said, already deliver fuel savings and lower emissions without major infrastructure changes.
Toyota will launch its first electric car in India next year, in the form of the Urban Cruiser electric SUV. The Urban Cruiser ids a badge engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki eVitara. It will be built by Maruti at its Hansalpur factory, Gujarat, and shipped to Toyota dealers across India. Maruti Suzuki will also export the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV to countries around the world.
E20 Concerns and What Toyota Says
Addressing widespread worries among car owners, Gulati said E20 petrol is safe for older vehicles and will not damage engines. Many owners have complained about mileage drops and possible reliability issues, but he maintained the fuel is suitable. He added that ethanol blending is already saving the economy money while creating new income for farmers, making it more than just an environmental solution.
Policies Shaping the Shift
Gulati also spoke about GST 2.0 reforms, saying the lower rates have boosted consumer confidence and supported vehicle sales. He argued that tax reforms and ethanol blending together are important building blocks for India’s energy and transport future. The blending programme reduces oil imports and emissions while supporting rural incomes, while GST makes vehicles more affordable for buyers.
Multi-Fuel Future For India
Toyota’s multi-tech strategy, Gulati said, reflects the diversity of the Indian market. Driving conditions, income levels, and infrastructure vary widely, so a single solution cannot work for everyone. Hybrids may suit buyers who need range and flexibility today, while EVs can grow in markets where charging infrastructure improves.
He concluded that India’s path to sustainable mobility will require a mix of hybrids and EVs, supported by ethanol and policy reforms. According to him, the technologies will complement each other rather than compete, balancing the country’s needs for energy security, lower emissions, and consumer choice.
Toyota has already demonstrated that it's ready to launch flex-fuel cars (cars that can run on 100 % ethanol) should the government formulate such a policy for future cars. In fact, a key proponent for ethanol-blending and flex-fuels - union transport minister Nitin Gadkari - owns a Toyota Innova Hycross that's designed to run on 100 % flex fuel.