Top Hybrid Cars And EVs We Tested For Performance And Efficiency In 2022

The year 2022 was a boon for electrification in India, with new EVs launched in multiple segments. Hybrids also gained traction as several strong-hybrid cars were launched, and now towards the end of the year, it seems that plug-in hybrids are on their way, too. 

Throughout the year, we got to drive these electrified cars, and here’s a list of all the models that we put to the test: 

MG ZS EV 

The ZS EV electric SUV received a comprehensive update in 2022, with an aesthetic that’s in-line with the ICE-powered MG Astor and a bigger battery that provides a longer range. With a 176PS e-motor, we got the ZS EV to do 0-100kmph in a quick 8.36 seconds. It takes 40.49 metres to stop from 100kmph, thanks to its all-wheel disc brake setup. 

Tata Nexon EV 

Tata’s stalwart electric SUV got the ‘Prime’ moniker in 2022, with the Nexon EV Max slotting above with a longer range. We tested the standard SUV, with a 129PS and 245Nm e-motor good enough to deliver a 0-100kmph time of 9.58 seconds in our tests. Mind you, that was in Sport mode; without ‘Sport’ engaged, the EV takes 16.8 seconds to reach 100kmph. From that speed, it slows to a complete halt at 42.6 metres, respectable for a heavy electric SUV. 

Mini Cooper SE 

The electric Mini arrived at the start of the year with a 32.6kWh battery pack and a relatively low 270km range. It’s powered by a 184PS and 270Nm e-motor that scoots to 100kmph in a flash – 7.13 seconds according to our tests. Moreover, it brakes from 100 to a standstill at 40.23 metres. 

Tata Tigor EV

We tested the Tata Tigor EV before it received an update earlier this year. We got the electric sedan from 0-100kmph in 13.04 seconds, quicker than petrol or diesel Tigor. 100-0kmph came in 49.25 metres, almost six metres higher than the ICE Tigor, owing to the heavier EV powertrain. 

Honda City hybrid 

Honda gave its City sedan a new strong-hybrid powertrain, alongside an important safety update – the addition of driver-assistance tech. With its 98PS petrol engine and 109PS traction e-motor, the City hybrid is more powerful than the petrol City, and despite the hybrid sedan’s heavier weight, it gets from 0-100kmph in 9.95 seconds. In comparison, the petrol-powered City takes 10.99 seconds to reach 100kmph, according to our tests. The hybrid, despite its heavier weight, manages to stop from 100kmph in 40.95 metres. 

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Maruti Grand Vitara Hybrid 

The 2022 Grand Vitara is Maruti’s first strong-hybrid offering in the country. It’s powered by a Toyota-developed powertrain with a 1.5-litre petrol engine at the helm, making a combined 116PS. It allowed us to achieve a 0-100kmph time of 11.55 seconds, around 3.6 seconds quicker than the non-hybrid version that could only manage a 15.11-second time. With all four disc brakes, the braking distance was 40.58 metres for 100-0kmph.