Beeline for strong hybrid cars in Noida, Ghaziabad

Sumedha Sharma

Gurugram, July 10

Automobile buyers from across Delhi-NCR are making a beeline to buy strong hybrid cars in Noida and Ghaziabad, following the Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to waive off registration fee for such vehicles.

The latest waiver has decreased their on-road prices by up to Rs 4 lakh in UP. Thus, it’s no surprise that the twin NCR cities of UP are reporting a surge in the demand for strong hybrid cars like Grand Vitara SUV, Invicto MPV, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder SUV, Innova Hycross MPV and Honda City e-HEV sedan. These cars are seeing a 10 per cent decrease in their on-road prices coupled with showroom discounts.

Unlike the mild hybrid cars, which constantly need the engine, strong hybrids can run solely on the electric motor for short distances, enhancing their appeal.

A Maruti dealer in Noida, Gaurav Gujjar, said, “As compared to other NCR districts, we already have a bigger market for strong hybrid cars. With the slashing of prices, we have an influx of customers, a majority of whom are from Delhi & Gurugram.”

“Buyers say that with our discounts on premium cars, the costs will come down by around 15 per cent. Also, this may increase the waiting period for the Maruti model,” Gujjar said. Earlier, only electric vehicles (EVs) enjoyed registration fee exemption in Uttar Pradesh. People buying petrol/diesel vehicles or strong hybrids had to pay a registration fee of 8 per cent for vehicles costing up to Rs 10 lakh and 10 per cent for those costing more than Rs 10 lakh.

Experts say the waiver has set the bar high for other Delhi-NCR districts. The region is seeing a slow and steady shift towards hybrids and electric vehicles and becoming one of the largest markets for EVs in India.

While Haryana and Rajasthan grant a partial fee waiver on hybrids, Delhi continues to charge a 10 per cent registration fee on showroom prices of strong hybrid cars.

According to the data, around 100 strong hybrid cars were sold per month in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh this year.

As India targets carbon neutrality by 2070, automobile makers are split on the best approach. Japanese firms like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota advocate for cuts in taxes on hybrid cars, while local manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are pushing for full EV adoption. The Central Government is currently considering the Japanese companies’ proposal.

Can run solely on electric motors

Unlike the mild hybrid cars, which constantly need the engine, strong hybrid vehicles can run solely on the electric motor for short distances, which enhances their appeal.