I want to walk you through a big development: Tata Motors exploring CNG and hybrid tech for cars over 4 metres. This is not a casual idea — it came up during Tata’s Q2 FY26 earnings talk in mid-November 2025. As someone who follows the auto market closely, I think this could reshape how buyers think about running costs and emissions in larger SUVs. In this post I’ll explain what Tata is studying, which models are likely, the technical trade-offs, and how the market and rules are pushing this move.
Why Tata is looking beyond 4 metres
We all know buyers of bigger cars want space and comfort. But lately they also want low running costs. Tata has seen strong signals: the company sold over 120,000 CNG cars in 2024 and volumes were edging toward ~150,000 in 2025. Tata reported that CNG grew fastest at roughly 35% year‑on‑year in FY2025, while hybrids and EVs also saw healthy growth (~15.4% and ~15% respectively).
So Tata is exploring ways to give customers more choices. The phrase Tata Motors exploring CNG and hybrid tech for cars over 4 metres captures that plan: they want to see if CNG and strong-hybrid systems can work in cars that are longer and heavier than the usual sub‑4m offerings.
Which Tata models are under consideration
From the reports, the likely candidates are the larger Tata SUVs that measure over 4 metres. Specifically, management called out the 4.3‑metre segment and models in the >4m line-up such as the Curvv (≈4.3m), Harrier and Safari (≈4.6m+), and the upcoming Sierra.
The Curvv looks like a prime candidate for a CNG variant because it shares the 1.2‑litre turbo petrol engine with the Nexon. Tata already uses a compact twin‑cylinder CNG packaging on the Nexon (turbo‑petrol + CNG), and that layout is being considered for bigger models with the same engine architecture.
Technical and packaging challenges
Fitting CNG or a strong hybrid into a larger car is not just dropping in parts. We have to think about packaging, weight, and safety:
- CNG packaging: The Nexon’s twin‑cylinder CNG tank is compact. For larger cars, Tata must keep boot space usable and maintain crash safety. If they adapt the same twin‑cylinder layout for the Curvv, the challenge is routing and mounting while keeping weight and balance right.
- Hybrid systems: Strong-hybrid tech adds an electric motor, battery pack and power electronics. In an SUV like the Harrier or Safari, Tata will need to decide battery size to deliver meaningful fuel savings without adding excessive weight or shrinking interior space.
- Performance tuning: Turbo petrol plus CNG behaves differently — tuning for drivability and emissions compliance is essential. For hybrids, integrating smooth transitions between electric and combustion power is key.
Market and regulatory context
There are clear market and rule-driven reasons behind this study. Rising petrol prices, consumers’ appetite for lower TCO, and a shift away from diesel all support broader CNG and hybrid availability. Tata also mentioned regulatory timing: the company is studying options ahead of anticipated tighter CAFE‑3 fuel-efficiency norms targeted from 2027.
On strategic mix, Tata’s management gave a directional outlook: roughly ~30% EVs, ~27% CNG, 6–10% diesel, with the rest being petrol/hybrid. These numbers are targets rather than firm product commitments, but they show Tata expects multi‑powertrain demand and wants flexibility.
Quick comparison: candidate models and options
To make this tangible, here’s a table summarising likely models and the powertrains under consideration.
| Model | Approx. length | Possible powertrain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curvv | ≈4.3 m | CNG (twin‑cylinder), Hybrid (study) | Shares 1.2L turbo with Nexon — strong CNG candidate |
| Harrier | ≈4.6 m+ | Hybrid (strong‑hybrid study), CNG (less likely) | May need larger electric pack; packaging trade-offs |
| Safari | ≈4.6 m+ | Hybrid (study) | Positioning as premium SUV; hybrid could lower TCO |
| Sierra (upcoming) | TBC | CNG/Hybrid under consideration | New product — packaging can be optimised from day one |
Sales signals and business rationale
I like numbers because they make the case concrete. Tata’s fast CNG growth — from 120k+ in 2024 to ~150k in 2025 — shows customers value low running costs. That momentum, plus CNG’s ~35% yoy growth in FY2025, makes the business case for expanding CNG beyond compact cars.
Hybrids grew ~15.4% and EVs ~15% in the same period, which tells me buyers are choosing multiple low-fuel options, not just one. Tata’s study phase aims to find the right mix so they can meet customer demand and future fuel-efficiency rules without overspending on development.
What it means for buyers
If Tata does roll out CNG or hybrid options for >4m cars, you could get a bigger SUV with significantly lower running costs. For example, a Curvv CNG might offer a noticeable drop in per‑kilometre fuel cost versus petrol. A strong‑hybrid Harrier or Safari could improve city fuel economy while keeping the performance buyers expect.
Keep in mind this is still an evaluation. Tata has not announced confirmed launches, specs, or prices. Any rollout will depend on technical validation, cost competitiveness, and regulatory alignment.
Also Read: Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG: 332 KM Mileage and ₹90,976 Price — The Budget Bike Making Waves
Final Thoughts
So where does this leave us? I think Tata Motors exploring CNG and hybrid tech for cars over 4 metres is a sensible, data-driven step. Market demand for CNG is strong, hybrids are growing, and tighter fuel-efficiency rules are coming. Tata’s clear intent to study the 4.3‑metre segment and larger SUVs means we may soon see CNG trickle up into more premium models and hybrids enter parts of Tata’s range where they haven’t been before.
I’ll be watching for company announcements. If you want, I can pull the original earnings-call excerpts or track product announcements and notify you regularly. Which would you prefer?
