India’s PHEV market is finally starting to take shape, with new SUVs promising EV-like daily driving and petrol-powered long-distance capability
Plug-in hybrid SUVs are finally moving beyond the luxury-car space in India. The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV has already opened the door for mainstream buyers, and several more SUVs are expected to follow. Unlike conventional hybrids, these vehicles have larger batteries that can be charged externally, allowing them to cover a meaningful distance on electric power before the petrol engine takes over. Here are five PHEV SUVs worth watching in India over the next couple of years.
1. BYD Seal U DM-i
BYD will enter India’s plug-in hybrid market with the Seal U, also sold as the Sealion 6 in some international markets. The SUV is expected to arrive by the end of 2026 and will become BYD’s first PHEV in India. The international DM-i system combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, electric motors and an 18.3 kWh battery. Depending on the version, the Seal U can offer up to 126 km of electric-only range and more than 1,000 km of combined range. BYD is expected to price the India-spec SUV around Rs 45-50 lakh, although the final specifications and price are yet to be announced.
2. JSW Motors’ Jetour T2-Based SUV
JSW Motors is also preparing a rugged SUV based on the Jetour T2 (will likely be called JSW Combat), and it will arrive in India with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The SUV has already been spotted testing and will be assembled at JSW Motors’ Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant. The global T2 i-DM uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, two electric motors and a 26.7 kWh battery. Combined output is rated at 381 hp and 610 Nm, while the international model has a claimed 139 km electric-only range. India-specific figures are still under wraps.
3. BYD Leopard 8
The BYD Leopard 8 is a large plug-in hybrid SUV that could make its way to India after its design was patented here. It uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with dual electric motors and a 36.8 kWh battery, producing up to around 748 hp in its most powerful configuration. With body-on-frame construction and serious off-road hardware, it could become one of the most capable PHEVs. BYD is yet to confirm whether or when it will bring the SUV here. If it does arrive, expect it to sit well above the likes of the BYD Sealion 7 and go up against large premium SUVs in the Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh price segment.
4. MG’s Larger PHEV SUV
The MG 520 isn’t the only large PHEV SUV in the pipeline from JSW MG. The company has confirmed a broader ADAPT multi-powertrain platform, with an SUV available in both EV and PHEV forms. The PHEV version is positioned against SUVs such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO. The SUV uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, a 20.5 kWh LFP battery and a 195 hp electric motor in its global specification. Wuling quotes a 125 km electric range and more than 1,000 km of combined range.
5. Chery Tiggo 8 CSH: Another JSW-Backed PHEV
The Chery Tiggo 8 is among the SUVs being considered for India through the JSW-Chery partnership. The seven-seater has already been patented in India, with reports pointing towards a potential 2027 introduction. More importantly for this list, the international Tiggo 8 is also available with Chery’s CSH plug-in hybrid system. The PHEV version uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motors, with the international Tiggo 8 CSH offering a claimed electric-only range of around 90 km and a combined range of more than 1,000 km.
However, there is currently no confirmation that the India-spec Tiggo 8 will get this powertrain. If JSW brings the PHEV version, it would give the group another electrified SUV above the Jetour T2. With the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV already on sale, the next phase of India’s PHEV market could be considerably more interesting.