The Indian government has long supported the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), yet a recent statement from the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that EVs will not receive exclusive preference over other clean-fuel vehicles. Despite this, there are reports suggesting that influencers in Delhi are being paid to promote EVs while discouraging hybrid vehicles.
One such influencer, Ankur Warikoo, a popular entrepreneur and YouTuber, recently posted a tweet promoting electric vehicles. In his tweet, Warikoo highlighted his eco-friendly lifestyle, including growing his own food, composting, and using public transportation. He also mentioned that his family shares a single car and that their next vehicle will be fully electric. He emphasized the importance of clean air, stating, “Because clean air isn’t a luxury for my kids. It’s a right,” and concluded, “No more in-betweens,” implying that hybrids were a compromise.
Though Warikoo’s message may resonate with many, some have raised questions about whether his endorsement is part of a paid campaign. Arjit Soni, an X user, suggested in a tweet that Warikoo’s promotion could be financially motivated. Soni claimed that he had been approached by an agency to post content supporting electric vehicles while criticizing hybrids. He shared a screenshot of the message he received, in which a media agency discussed an upcoming campaign advocating for 100% electric vehicles and asked about his charges for social media posts.
The agency’s message further revealed that the campaign’s goal was to shift public opinion away from hybrid vehicles, focusing instead on promoting electric-only options for Delhi. This revelation raises concerns about the influence of industry lobbyists in shaping public opinion on clean transportation.
Hybrid Vehicles vs. Electric Vehicles: A Growing Debate
As various Indian states, including Delhi, push for higher adoption of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles are being sidelined. While EVs are a cleaner alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid vehicles, which combine both electric and gasoline powertrains, are often viewed as a stepping stone toward full electrification.
Despite their environmental benefits, hybrid vehicles are not receiving as much promotion from governments and other stakeholders. However, relying solely on EVs—while neglecting hybrids—may be impractical. Electric vehicles face several significant challenges, with one of the biggest being the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure. Cities like Delhi still struggle with broken chargers, fragmented payment systems, and overall inadequate charging options. Range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power, is another common concern for potential EV owners.
In addition to infrastructure issues, the global supply of rare-earth materials needed for electric motors is at risk. China controls a significant portion of these materials, and reports suggest that it may limit their availability. This reliance on a foreign supplier could disrupt the global electric vehicle market, a concern raised by Bajaj Auto Chairman Rajiv Bajaj, who called the situation a “very serious warning.”
On the other hand, hybrid vehicles provide a smoother transition for consumers, allowing them to adjust to electric powertrains while still relying on traditional fuel when necessary. For India, hybrids could be the practical bridge between ICE vehicles and fully electric cars, ensuring that the shift to EVs is both gradual and sustainable.
