Click it and Unblock the Notifications
New Renault Duster Likely To Get Hybrid Powertrain In India: Powertrains To Be Shared With 7-Seater Bigster
Renault India is making strides towards diversifying its automotive offerings with a keen interest in hybrid technologies, as confirmed by Venkatram Mamillapalle, the company's managing director and CEO. Recognizing India's diverse automotive landscape, Renault is venturing beyond its current CNG offerings to include hybrid and potentially range-extender hybrid technologies in its future lineup. The company has decided against re-entering the diesel segment, focusing instead on more sustainable alternatives.
The exploration of range-extender hybrid technology signifies Renault's commitment to innovation. This system marries a small internal combustion engine with an electric drivetrain, promising an efficient blend of performance and eco-friendliness. "We're exploring it. I don't have all the answers yet, I'm still learning," Mamillapalle revealed, hinting at the possibility of localizing such technologies in India.
Renault's international lineup already showcases the brand's hybrid prowess. In particular markets, the Renault Duster is available with both mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid engine options. The strong-hybrid variant combines a 94hp, 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors, generating a total output of 140hp. This setup, which includes an electric automatic gearbox, enables up to 80 percent pure electric driving in city conditions. Although the Indian-spec Duster hybrid's specifications are yet to be confirmed, it may follow a similar approach.
The company is planning to introduce hybrid models of the Duster and its seven-seat counterpart, the Bigster, aligning their launches with their petrol versions. While specific timelines remain undecided, insiders suggest that Renault is aiming to make its hybrid offerings available within the same year as these SUVs' introductions. Despite not providing explicit details, Mamillapalle mentioned that various technologies are under consideration to enhance Renault's model range.
In some international markets, the Duster has been sold with a 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine equipped with a 48V starter motor, offering a mild-hybrid option. Furthermore, the Duster's strong-hybrid system allows for significant electric-only driving capability, especially in urban environments. However, the likelihood of LPG powertrains and 4x4 options being introduced in India seems low, given the previous Duster's AWD technology and the potential cost implications of the new model's electric rear axle for the Indian market.
Renault's decision to focus on hybrids, excluding mild-hybrids for their limited impact, underscores the company's strategic approach to the Indian automotive sector. "India is a multi-fuel, multi-strategy automotive landscape. Not everyone can invest in everything, so deciding which direction to take is crucial," Mamillapalle stated, emphasizing the importance of meaningful innovation.
DriveSpark Thinks
As Renault India evaluates the introduction of hybrid and range-extender technologies, its aim is to offer a more diversified and sustainable range of vehicles. With a focus on localizing such technologies, the company is poised to contribute significantly to India's evolving automotive landscape, marking a significant shift towards greener alternatives while phasing out its reliance on conventional fuels like diesel.
Continue with Google