Renault Charts Multi-Fuel Strategy, Explores Hybrids for Future Lineup

• 80% of market to stay petrol + CNG by 2032, says MD Mamillapalle
• Strong hybrids under evaluation for Duster, Bigster
• Kiger EV scheduled for 2027; based on skateboard platform
• Co. Calls for clear policy to back EV, CNG, hybrid investments

Renault India is sharpening its focus on a multi-fuel strategy as it prepares for the next growth phase in the country’s automotive market. With the passenger vehicle segment expected to double, from 4.3 million to 10 million units, Renault is aligning its future product plans with India’s diverse fuel landscape.

India is a multi-fuel, multi-strategy automotive landscape. Not everyone can invest in everything, so deciding which direction to take is crucial,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director & CEO of Renault India.

While the company has ruled out a return to diesel, it reinforces its commitment to CNG and ethanol and actively evaluates range extender technology and hybrids as part of its longer-term plans.

“We’re already present in CNG. As for hybrids—we’re exploring that…but it has to be meaningful. Mild hybrids don’t make an impact,” Mamillapalle said.

Renault is also studying range extender systems that combine a compact internal combustion engine with an electric drivetrain. “We’re exploring it. I don’t have all the answers yet—I’m still learning,” he added, hinting that localization of such technologies could follow in due course.

Sources say the hybrid powertrain will likely be available in its B and C-segment SUVs. The timelines are yet to be firmed up, but the people in the know add that the company is trying to make its hybrid solution ready within the year of launching the Duster and Bigster SUVs (B and C segment SUVs). Mamillapalle offered no comment but added that multiple technologies are being explored. 

EV Shift
Renault is readying its electric vehicles for the future with a plan to get into ‘A segment SUV EV.’ Mamillapalle is non-committal on a specific product or the timelines but says, “We already have the technology. We can bring it in overnight if needed,” Mamillapalle affirmed. “But the timing has to be right. Currently, BEVs alone aren’t delivering high volumes, and it’s hard to justify heavy investments without scale.”

Autocar Professional exclusively reported on a project codenamed - RJ2K5 – i.e. Kiger EV plans for Renault in January. The project is scheduled for 2027, and while there is a slight delay, the development work continues full steam. https://www.autocarpro.in/news/exclusive-renault-to-enter-the-mainstream-ev-market-with-kiger-and-triber-ev-in-fy27-124369

Renault has confirmed it is working on a skateboard EV platform, not just ICE conversions. This approach allows for better interior packaging, lower center of gravity, and optimized battery integration, especially suited for urban and suburban users.

“It’s a skateboard platform—built from scratch,” Mamillapalle said. “We already have the technology. We can bring it in overnight if needed.”

Mamillapalle emphasized clearer policy signals to support investments across alternative fuel types.

“We aren’t rich in oil, but we do have coal. However, coal has its environmental downsides. So a balanced approach is needed,” he said. “The government needs a cohesive policy that reduces the import bill and promotes cleaner mobility.”

Despite the rising momentum behind EVs, Renault believes that India’s energy transition will remain gradual.

“By 2032, I expect 60% of the market will still be petrol-driven. Another 20% will be CNG. The remaining 20% will include strong hybrids, EVs, or other alternative powertrains,” he noted.

Renault’s product roadmap will continue to support internal combustion platforms while new offerings will be developed on ground-up skateboard architectures suited for electrified powertrains.

With a sharpened focus on value-driven, fuel-flexible offerings and localization, Renault aims to make a comeback and carve out a space in an increasingly fragmented but intensely competitive Indian mobility market.