Honda Cars India is testing the Indian market for strong hybrid vehicles by showcasing a City hybrid that will go on sale in India from early May.

It will also launch an SUV next year to fill the gap in its portfolio after it discontinued the CR-V and the BR-V. The SUV is being developed for the Indian market.

The company at present sells the City, Amaze, WR-V, and Jazz in the country.

The company will introduce strong hybrid systems for the rest of the cars in its portfolio if the response to the City hybrid is good, said Kunal Behl, vice-president, marketing and sales, HCIL.

When asked if there was a market for hybrid cars when the government does not offer a favourable tax structure for them, Behl said: “A lot of people in the Indian market take the hybrid route to electrification. ”

“Electric hybrid is the most practical and efficient system with self-charging capability that addresses people’s range anxiety.”

Admitting that there was a considerable difference in the taxation structure between hybrids and electric vehicles, Behl said: “If the government can come up with a relaxation of taxation on hybrids, it will help consumers to adapt to EVs. Till the charging infrastructure develops, we are offering consumers a hassle-free drive.”