JSW MG has launched its first plug-in hybrid vehicle in India. This is the Hector Tomahawk PHEV model. The company is targeting consumers who currently use diesel fuel.
MG expects to gain an advantage through low running costs and a price comparable to diesel fuel prices. According to the brand's statements, the car offers a range of 115 kilometers in electric mode. With a full tank and charging, the total driving range reaches 1100 kilometers.
JSW MG is focusing on the executive SUV segment, where approximately 50 thousand vehicles are sold monthly. Of these, about 40 thousand are diesel SUVs, and 10 thousand are electric SUV (EV) models. Models in this segment include the Mahindra XUV 7Xo, Tata Safari, and Tata Harrier. In the EV segment, there are the Mahindra XEV 9S, Tata Harrier EV, and Kia Carens Clarivs EV.
According to Autocar, JSW MG Motor India Managing Director Anarag Mehrotra noted that if one considers the C-size diesel car market, it accounts for about 40 thousand units, whereas the C-size EV market is estimated at around 10 thousand units. Thus, the total market potential is 50 thousand units.
Prices for diesel models include: Tata Harrier — from 14 to 25.39 lakh rupees exclusive; Tata Safari — from 14.84 lakh to 26.14 lakh rupees exclusive; Mahindra XUV 7Xo — from 15 to 26 lakh rupees.
The seven-seater Hector Tomahawk version starts from 25,69,800 rupees exclusive, which is the price of the exclusive variant. The Essence variant is priced at 27,79,800 rupees exclusive. Simply put, the plug-in hybrid Hector Tomahawk costs approximately 1.5 to 2 lakh rupees more than the top diesel SUVs from Tata and Mahindra.
However, the company asserts that the key advantage lies not in the purchase price but in the running costs. JSW MG estimates that covering a distance of 1000 kilometers with the plug-in hybrid SUV will cost 3000–4000 rupees, whereas for a diesel car, these costs amount to 10 to 12 thousand rupees.
In MG's view, when used as a hybrid vehicle, the Hector Tomahawk will achieve a fuel efficiency of 22 kilometers per liter. With regular charging over a certain distance, the car can deliver a fuel economy of 30 to 50 kilometers per liter. These running costs cannot be compared with diesel counterparts.
Nevertheless, fuel efficiency depends on driving style. Users who charge the car at home and primarily use it in EV mode will require less gasoline. Users who do not charge the car will face higher fuel costs.
Considering the running costs of diesel cars, it is reported that the claimed fuel efficiency of the Tata Harrier is between 11 and 16 kilometers per liter, and the Tata Safari has a similar figure. The Mahindra XUV 7Xo Diesel demonstrates a claimed fuel efficiency within 10–15 kilometers per liter, making the plug-in hybrid options significantly more economical in terms of operating costs.