The caption of the video read, “Experience the thrill of power like you’ve never experienced before. Brace yourself and stay tuned for #amazing, new technology.” The car used in the teaser video looks different from any other Toyota car available for sale in India right now. It gets a floating touchscreen infotainment system, nicely sturdier seats, a dual-tone theme and even a sunroof – hints that it’s a premium offering.
The instrument cluster of the car is also visible in the video. Unlike the tachometer used in pure ICE vehicles, the car in the video displays the amount of power being used on the left gauge. This feature is present in most electric vehicles as there is no gearbox involved, which renders the tachometer purposeless.
So far no information has been received from Toyota about which car it could be. The carmaker recently announced a new ‘Hum Hai Hybrid’ campaign in India. The campaign aims to create awareness about the benefits of Self Charging Hybrid Electric Vehicles.shaveAs of now, Toyota’s hybrid portfolio in India consists of the Camry Hybrid as well as the Vellfire luxury MPV.
Toyota is not the only manufacturer in India that is planning to introduce a self-charging hybrid car. Honda recently introduced the City Hybrid e:HEV in the country, which is slated to launch next month. Production of the hybrid sedan has already started at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan, bookings for which have started at dealerships and on the company’s website.
Which self-charging hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) do you think Toyota is ready to introduce in the Indian market? Let us know in the comments below.