Hybrid cars use both internal combustion and electric engines to reduce emissions and save fuel. The electric engine is used at low speeds and the internal combustion engine at higher speeds.

The biggest hybrid car manufacturers are Toyota, Honda, Ford and Hyundai. The hybrid car began catching local attention in 2022.

Hybrid cars have advantages such as fuel savings, low emissions, strong speed acceleration and a high life expectancy of engine. But it also has disadvantages, including high prices, heavy weight, and inconvenience in some situations, requiring long time for charging and restrictions in operation. 

In Vietnam, some auto manufacturers have launched hybrids to give more choices to customers. Toyota Vietnam offers the highest number of hybrid models, including Toyota Corolla Cross, Corolla Altis, Innova Cross, Yaris Cross, Camry, and Alphard.

Nissan Vietnam has Kicks e-Power, Suzuki has Ertiga Hybrid, and Honda Vietnam has e:HEV on CR-V model. Hyundai has also joined the hybrid market with Santa Fe, and Thaco Truong Hai with Kia Sorento. BMW, a luxury car brand, has introduced the BMW XM.

Some Chinese manufacturers have introduced hybrid models, such as Haval with its H6.

The hybrid market is expected to warm up when many more models will be marketed this year, such as Mitsubishi Xpander. The MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) model was introduced in Thailand several days ago.

Two versions of Mitsubishi Xpander are available in Thailand, including Xpander HEV priced at 912,000 baht (VND626 million) and Xpander Cross HEV, 946,000 baht (VND650 million).

It is highly possible that Kia Canival will be brought to Vietnam by Thaco and launched  in 2024. Haval stated that it will introduce Haval Jolion, slated for April 2024. The car model belongs to SUV/CUV B-class market segment and will compete with Kia Seltos, Toyota Raize and Hyundai Venue.

Le Truong Giang, an automobile expert, noted that hybrid vehicles will dominate the market because electric cars still lack a sufficient number of charging stations.

Hoang Hiep