Vichaara written by: Anjan Babu.S
Vichaara edited by : Sanjana Sudarshan
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/12/hybrid-car-demand-ev-production/676266/
Author of Source: Patrick George
Hybrid Cars are facing the middle child problem. They are being neglected as they sit right in between the conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Cars and the EVs.
The author writes
"The problem carmakers face is that hybrids involve all the complexities of internal combustion and battery power put together. Building them “takes a lot of time and a lot of money,” Sam Fiorani, the vice president of the industry research firm AutoForecast Solutions, told me, “but a lot of their money is focused on electrifying vehicles. Diverting some of that money back into hybrid powertrains slows your transition to where you ultimately want to be."
With EV R&D requiring deep pockets, Automakers do not want to be caught off-guard on technology breakthroughs in EV and perceive capital allocation to Hybrids as a distraction.
"GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, has said the plan is to skip a “half step” and bypass hybrids entirely to go straight to EVs."
"Caught in the middle are consumers who just want to save money on gas, but perhaps have fears about going fully electric or can’t stomach the cost of EVs. "
Agraga's Take:
Indian Automakers may consider banking on the opportunity of the gap of the "half-step" and licensing the existing Hybrid technology. Good Hybrid Cars are notorious for providing very high fuel economy. It is a perfect fit for a society that prides itself in boasting the mileage they make their cars achieve and are wary of the cost and range the EVs provide.