Volvo Says India Is Ready For EVs And Hybrid Cars, Might Bring The Hybrid S60 Sedan Here Soon
Volvo Cars India has confirmed its plans to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. Volvo has been quite vocal about its plans for an electric portfolio since 50 percent of its car volumes have to be electric by 2025. Volvo itself this might mean a hybrid version of its upcoming S60 sedan in India.
Volvo has been quite vocal about its plans to switch to an electric portfolio, since 50 percent of its car volumes have to be electric by 2025. By this time, the Swedish auto maker promises to put 1 million electric cars on the roads globally.
Naturally, it's safe to assume that these products will be soon making their way to India as well. Charles Frump, Managing Director, Volvo Cars India has now confirmed this.
As per Frump, the recent policies by the Indian government towards EV adoption have created a better business case for auto makers to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. For Volvo itself, this might mean a hybrid version of its upcoming S60 sedan in India. He says the firm is considering the idea, bringing a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version of the S60 along with the regular variant.
(Representative Image: Reuters)
The lower import tax is to be thanked, which can also help the brand increase its local production volume. ¡°Because the tax structure is much more similar to non-premium market. Perhaps, the luxury pie could grow quite big in the future,¡± Frump mentions.
Frump urges others to follow suit as well, ¡°Instead of asking the government how to reach the targets and getting surprised over their ambitions, it is also the responsibility of auto industry to help educate and push EVs,¡± he says. He praises the govt¡¯s bid too, expecting the recent duty cut and policies around EVs through the second phase of FAME scheme to boost their adoption in the country.
Additionally, the firm only finds it befitting to follow a simple strategy for the Indian market. ¡°A few clear and simpler choices, instead of 50 options, will be effective. Too many variants also lead to trust issues,¡± Frump believes.
Volvo S60 Hybrid (Image: Volvo)
Also read: Govt. Has Just Approved 5-Yr Plan For EV Battery Manufacturing And Here's Why It Is Important
That being said, he also asserts that the offerings will be panned out across categories, including large, mid and small SUVs and medium and large sedans. For the near future, its list of greener products only includes the hybrid S60 and who knows, the company might also proceed to bring in the Polestar, its high performance all electric brand, to India later.
