Toyota launches self-charging EV 'Vellfire' in India

Hyderabad: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) on Wednesday unveiled 'Vellfire', its new luxurious self-charging hybrid electric vehicle, here for the Indian market.

The New Vellfire delivers a powerful driving experience while ensuring low fuel consumption and carbon footprints, Toyota said. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder Gasoline Hybrid Engine offers 86 kW (115 BHP) power and a max torque of 198 Nm @ 2800-4000 rpm.

The New Vellfire engine which is also coupled with two electric motors and a hybrid battery ensures low emissions while delivering a delightful driving experience, it said.

The New Vellfire is priced at Rs 79.5 lakh (all India) and the first three months of shipment (including about 180 vehicles) have been booked so far, according to Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

More than 20 per cent of these customers are from Hyderabad, he said. Asked about the waiting period for delivery, he said the company is working towards making sure the customers who walk into the showrooms today, get the vehicles latest by April.

Globally, more than six lakh Toyota Vellfire vehicles have been sold, he said. Asked if the company expected the momentum to continue (180 vehicles sold out) as the luxury car market has taken a hit in the country, Soni said there are customers who are willing to pay for a luxury product like Vellfire.

Vikram Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, who was present at the launch, said: "The automotive industry in India is undergoing a profound technology-driven transformation with innovation and creativity defining the overall customer experience.

As industry leaders, it is imperative for us to challenge ourselves and provide customers with new breakthroughs that not only promises magnificence and comfort, but also contributes to the well-being of the ecosystem".