Hybrid Cars Gain Strong Traction in India as Sales Double in Q1 FY2026 Just as hybrid vehicles have become mainstream in developed countries, India is now seeing a sharp rise in interest for partially electric cars. With more locally made options available, hybrids are quickly becoming a popular choice for Indian buyers. The first quarter of FY2026 saw a significant jump in hybrid car sales, reflecting growing acceptance among consumers.
Currently, three manufacturers are producing hybrid cars in India: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), Maruti Suzuki, and Honda. These brands are making hybrid technology more accessible to Indian families. Toyota, a global leader in hybrids, also dominates the Indian market.
In Q1 FY2026, TKM sold 21,489 hybrid vehicles, capturing a commanding 81% share of the segment. This is a dramatic increase from the 10,745 units sold in the same period last year—an exact 100% jump. Toyota’s local hybrid lineup includes the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Innova Hycross, while the Camry and Vellfire are imported.
| Carmaker | Q1 FY2026 | Q1 FY2025 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 21,489 | 10,745 | +100% |
| Maruti | 4,745 | 1,307 | +263% |
| Honda | 226 | 59 | +283% |
| Total | 26,460 | 12,111 | +118% |
While Toyota nearly doubled its hybrid sales, Maruti Suzuki also saw a huge leap, accounting for 18% of the market. Maruti shipped 4,745 hybrid cars between April and June 2025, up by 3,438 units or 263% compared to the same quarter last year. Maruti’s hybrid offerings—the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Invicto—are both produced by TKM.
Honda came in third, with just one hybrid model on offer: the City e:HEV. Although this sedan is assembled in India, its low localisation keeps the price high, making it less accessible for most buyers. The shrinking demand for sedans in this segment hasn’t helped either. Honda sold 226 units of the City e:HEV in Q1 FY2026, a 283% increase from 59 units last year, but its market share remains at just 1%.
Altogether, 26,460 hybrid cars were sold in India in Q1 FY2026—an increase of 14,349 units or 118% over the previous year’s 12,111 units. The Toyota Innova Hycross, despite being the priciest hybrid made in India, topped the sales charts.
