The Hindu Business Line : Regulations for hybrid cars likely by next year

Regulations for homologation of hybrid cars in the country are likely to be put in place in the next one year. A committee, consisting of members from Ministry of Surface Transport, Ministry of Heavy Industries and top officials from companies such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, and Bajaj, has been recently formed to introduce laws governing hybrid vehicles.

“There are a few manufacturers in India who are trying to introduce such vehicles. Some Indian manufacturers like Mahindras and Tatas are working in the area of hybrids. These type of vehicles will be good for our country. A panel is working to expedite the finalising of standards for hybrid cars,” Mr Shrikant Marathe, Director, Automotive Research Association of India, told Business Line.

However, Mr V.G. Gujrathi, Senior General Manager, Engineering Research Centre, Tata Motors, who is also a member in the committee, said that the framework was likely to be finalised in the next one year.

He said that the committee was looking at adapting some of the global regulations on hybrids for the domestic market, including safety and fuel efficiency norms.

“The regulations would mainly look at defining the mileage that would term a car as a hybrid. Safety is also an important aspect as batteries in the vehicles can be of high voltage and in case of accidents can lead to electrocution. Hence, electric wiring norms would be formed,” he added.

Foreign auto makers

Apart from domestic auto makers, the move would also benefit foreign companies such as Honda and Toyota who are looking to introduce their hybrid cars here.

Honda Siel Cars India had recently said that it was looking forward to bringing its hybrid Civic to India, but the lack of homologation rules had thwarted its plans. Similarly, Toyota would also be able to introduce its Prius in the market.

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