Tata Weighs CNG, Strong Hybrids for Larger SUVs
The carmaker says hybrids will be introduced only if demand warrants, with CNG under study for the 4.3‑metre class.
Overview
- Tata’s Shailesh Chandra said the company will stay proactive on EVs and reactive on hybrids, with any hybrid rollout tied to market competitiveness.
- Tata is assessing factory‑fitted CNG for 4.3‑metre SUVs—including Curvv and the new Sierra—after CNG sales surpassed 1.2 lakh in 2024 and are projected to cross 1.5 lakh in 2025.
- Strong hybrids are being evaluated primarily for Harrier and Safari, with technology ready if needed, and Chandra noted hybrids are not essential to meet upcoming CAFE 3 targets.
- Curvv is viewed as a likely first candidate for CNG and could reuse the Nexon’s turbo‑petrol CNG setup, a configuration currently unique to Tata in India.
- Tata will debut a new 1.5‑litre petrol in the Sierra on November 25 and in Harrier/Safari on December 9, signaling hybrid‑capable hardware ahead of any final powertrain decisions.