Hybrid cars use power both from electricity and fuel, which reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency simultaneously. Hybrid cars conserve energy on the electric side by storing the energy in lithium-ion batteries sent to electric motor generators.

In a hybrid system, these motors power the wheels and generate electricity when braking through regenerative braking. Hybrid cars, although burn fuel, their emission rate is much lower than others. 

Indeed the facts stated to bring a lot of curiosity about how hybrid cars manage to function well. Let’s dig deeper to understand hybrid cars and learn about the smart hybrid cars in India.

The Variants In Hybrid Cars: Hybrid Fuel Cars In India

If you were living in the dilemma that hybrid cars own pretty much a single type, then you are wrong. Predominantly, India’s hybrid fuel cars are available in 4 different variants: parallel hybrid cars, series hybrid cars, two-mode hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid cars. Now each of these hybrid cars has their advantages which are as follow:

• Parallel hybrid cars:

It consists of an electrical motor and internal combustion engine work. The combining power from both produces higher power output while reducing the fuel requirements to produce similar outputs.

• Series hybrid cars:

Series hybrid cars use electric motors as the primary source of power for the wheels. The engine helps the batteries by burning fuel and allows the motors when pulling heavy loads to improve acceleration.

• Two-mode hybrid cars:

Hybrid cars work on electric power at low speeds and use the engine’s power to complement the electric motors for high-speed driving.

• Plug-in hybrid cars:

They constitute a large battery that can be externally recharged, enabling an all-electric drive for shorter distances.

5 Best Hybrid Cars In India: Top Hybrid Cars In India

The latest hybrid cars in India have given a new vision of how automobiles run on the roads. They are more efficient, conserve fuel, and do not cause pollution as well. Let’s look at the five best hybrid cars in India that have managed to change the narrative.

1. The Toyota Prius:

As far as one can recollect, Prius was the first plug-in hybrid car launched in India in 2012. Toyota Prius has been a product of the world's first mass-production hybrid cars. It is available in two varieties, Z5 and Z6, powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine; it manages to churn out a combine’s power of 97.8 bhp.

Prius is one of the best hybrid cars with a good fuel economy of 23.91 kmpl and a massive price range of INR 38.1 to 39.8 lakhs. Few of the features that make the Prius a better choice is, it has a CVT transmission system, attains a mileage of 23.91, and has electric motor assistance.

2. The Toyota Camry:

Toyota has not limited itself to one; hence, India’s smart hybrid cars’ next best available option is Toyota Camry. The Camry is a bit different from Prius. With Camry, a nickel-metal battery is utilised while it retains a large engine. 

Standard Camry is elegant and is an ideal chauffeur-driven car. Camry offers a mileage of 19.16 and has a 2.5-litre petrol engine worth INR 30.3 to 33.2 lakhs. They are thus one of the best mileage hybrid cars in India. This also works on the CVT transmission system, and electric motors assist the engine.

3. BMWi8:

BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and is an equally capable electric motor system. Although it is an expensive car, and not everyone can afford it, it’s great to be eco-friendly and worth INR 2.9 crores. 

Based on the CVT transmission system, and offers a mileage of 47.5 kmpl, the electric range of BMWi8 is 25-35 km. It has got a staggering power of 357 Bhp and a torque of 570Nm. It is one of the best hybrid automatic cars in India.

4. Lexus ES 300 H:

The ES 300H luxury pairs a 2.5-litre direct injection engine with a powerful, self-charging electric motor, delivering 160 horsepower with maximum fuel efficiency. Lexus ES 300H is the top model in the ES lineup. It returns a certified mileage of 22.58 kmpl. 

This 300H Luxury variant comes with an engine putting out 176 bhp @ 5700 rpm and 221 Nm @ 3600 rpm of max power and max torque. Lexus ES 300H Luxury is available in Automatic (CVT) transmission and offered in various colours.

You can also buy a second-hand Lexus ES hybrid to buy a luxury hybrid car under a budget.

5. Honda civic hybrid:

A Honda Civic is a fantastic choice for people looking for a more economical solution in hybrid cars. This car’s top features include a 1.3-litre petrol engine assisted by electric motors, a CVT transmission system, and a mileage of 20kmpl. However, with its stylish body and comfortable interiors, the Honda civic has satisfied many families with impeccable capabilities.

6. Porsche Cayenne 

Porche Cayenne is one of the successfully launched hybrid cars in India that is an SUV offering the benefits of a hybrid car with luxury. This is not just one of theluxury hybrid carsbut also offers a variety of features that make it a viable option in the market. It has a 3-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that is also aided by an electric motor and both run on a combined output power of around 462 ps. It runs on the mileage of around 41.6 kmpl with its top speed reaching up to 253 kmph at a time acceleration for 0 to 100 kmph of 5 seconds. This hybrid car can be charged at almost any wall outlet with an E-power system that runs between 23 to 44 kmph. It's a good hybrid car for Indian roads and can fair will with traffic conditions. It also has different driving modes, one being E-power, a pure-electric running drive mode and a hybrid mode which works on electric power and the engine. It's one of the hybrid car India with great performance and luxury enmeshed in one. If you’re looking for an SUV that is luxury and also gives you the features of a great hybrid car, then the Porsche Cayenne is something you should consider. 

7. BMW 7 Series

When we talk about smart hybrid cars in India, we cannot ignore the BMW 7 series. It has a strong turbocharged V12 with a 3-litre petrol engine with standard air suspensions that offer comfortable drive and ensures a ride that is fully controlled. It runs on power output of 320 bhp and the combined force with the electric motor gives a total combined output of 354 bhp. It offers a smooth ride in traffic as well with zero tailpipe emissions and engine noise. It's also capable of running smoothly on Indian roads in conditions like rough, pothole-filled areas.  While you get so many features in one, it also comes at a price that is pretty less for a car that is of an equal configuration with similar features. 

These hybrid cars have their own set of benefits and are made for Indian roads so they offer a smooth and comfortable drive. The latest hybrid carscome equipped with cutting-edge technology that gives a top-notch driving experience while also tackling problems one might face on the Indian roads often.

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