CAFE-III tightens carmakers' fuel-efficiency targets from FY28, retains hybrid incentives

The notified norms apply from April 2027 to March 2032, lowering fleet fuel-consumption targets from 3.996 L/100 km in FY28 to 3.3273 in FY32. Credit trading and retained hybrid incentives shape compliance options for Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

— Source publishedWed, 30 Sept, 2026, 09:00 IST·First seen Wed, 30 Sept, 2026, 09:35 IST·Source NDTV Profit

The development

The Ministry of Power notified CAFE-III norms effective from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032. Tighter fleet fuel-efficiency targets, credit trading and retained hybrid incentives reshape compliance strategies for Maruti Suzuki India Ltd and Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The numbers

  • April 1, 2027
  • March 31, 2032
  • 3.996 litres per 100 km
  • 3.3273 litres per 100 km
  • FY28

Why it matters to operators and investors

Align FY28–FY32 product mix and retail messaging with tighter fuel-efficiency targets, while incorporating retained hybrid incentives and credit trading into compliance planning.

What to watch next

  • Implementation details governing credit eligibility, trading and the value of hybrid incentives.
  • Credit availability and transaction prices relative to the cost of changing vehicle mix.
  • Hybrid waiting periods, component localization and purchase-price premiums versus comparable petrol models.
  • EV and hybrid retail registrations rather than launch announcements alone.
  • Manufacturer fleet-consumption disclosures and shifts in model-level discounts, dealer incentives and variant availability.