The highly competitive electric scooter market in India has reached a fever pitch in the first half of October 2025, fueled by the kickoff of the vital festive season. With Diwali just around the corner on October 20, consumers are flocking to showrooms, drawn by subsidies, discounts, and the promise of eco-friendly mobility. Mid-month sales data, drawn from the Vahan portal, unveils a dramatic shift at the summit: a nail-biting showdown between established giants Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company for the top spot in EV two-wheeler sales. For the period of October 1-15, Bajaj Auto—powered by its flagship Chetak scooter and a rebound in production—has clinched a narrow victory. Meanwhile, erstwhile frontrunner Ola Electric’s downward trajectory persists, plummeting to fifth place amid service woes and intensifying competition. On a brighter note, Hero MotoCorp’s Vida brand is charging ahead, solidifying its foothold in the top four.
A Snapshot of Mid-October DominanceThe EV two-wheeler segment clocked an impressive 67,328 units in the first 15 days of October, marking a robust start to what could be the year’s strongest month. The top six players—Bajaj, TVS, Ather Energy, Hero, Ola, and Greaves—commanded a whopping 60,622 units, or 90% of the market. This surge underscores the sector’s maturation, with year-to-date sales (January 1 to October 15) reaching 986,739 units—already 86% of 2024’s record 1.14 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders:
| Rank | Brand/Model | Units Sold (Oct 1-15) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bajaj Auto (Chetak) | 14,461 | Reclaims lead after six months; production ramp-up pays off. |
| 2 | TVS Motor (iQube) | 14,089 | Six-month streak broken; new Orbiter model boosts lineup. |
| 3 | Ather Energy (Rizta) | 12,601 | Steady climb; family-oriented Rizta drives 60% of sales. |
| 4 | Hero MotoCorp (Vida VX2) | 8,393 | Fourth straight month eyeing 10,000+; buyback schemes attract buyers. |
| 5 | Ola Electric (S1 series) | 7,697 | Service issues erode lead; includes e-motorcycles like Roadster X. |
Bajaj’s ascent is a testament to strategic recovery. After dipping to fifth in July due to supply chain hiccups, the company restored full capacity and leaned into the Chetak’s premium appeal—boasting a metal body, 137 km range, and seamless app integration. TVS, fresh off topping September’s charts with 22,491 units, showed resilience despite the slip, thanks to unwavering customer loyalty and the iQube’s versatile variants.Ola’s fall from grace is stark: once holding over 30% market share, it’s now grappling with after-sales complaints and regulatory scrutiny. Hero Vida’s rise, meanwhile, highlights how legacy trust and incentives like extended warranties are winning over budget-conscious festive shoppers.
Head-to-Head: The Bajaj Chetak vs. TVS iQube Supremacy Battle
At the heart of October’s EV drama is the razor-sharp rivalry between India’s two legacy titans. Bajaj’s Chetak (14,461 units) edges out TVS’s iQube (14,089 units) by a mere 372 units—a margin that could flip with a single strong weekend of deliveries. This echoes an earlier mid-month snapshot where Bajaj led 13,536 to TVS’s 13,198, before final tallies widened the gap slightly.Bajaj’s edge stems from its aggressive production push and targeted festive promotions, including zero-down-payment offers and free accessories. The Chetak, priced from ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom), appeals to urban professionals seeking a blend of retro styling and modern tech, with IDC range up to 153 km.TVS, the September pacesetter despite its own bottlenecks, counters with brand fidelity honed over decades. The iQube lineup—from the base ST (75 km range) to the top-end ST (212 km)—starts at ₹1.02 lakh and emphasizes quick charging (80% in 2.45 hours) and a robust service network. The recent Orbiter launch, at ₹99,900 post-subsidy, adds an affordable entry point with 158 km range, poised to steal share in tier-2 cities.This duel isn’t just about numbers; it’s a clash of philosophies. Bajaj bets on premium positioning to command loyalty, while TVS prioritizes volume through accessibility. As both roll out Diwali deals—Bajaj’s cashback up to ₹5,000 and TVS’s exchange bonuses—the battle intensifies. Analysts predict the second half (October 16-31) could double first-half volumes, potentially pushing monthly totals past March’s 131,434-unit peak.
Broader Implications for India’s EV Push
Beyond the top rung, the market signals a healthy evolution. Ather’s 12,601 units reflect premium demand, with the Rizta family scooter’s sales milestone (100,000+ since April) underscoring urban family adoption. Hero Vida’s 8,393 units, driven by the VX2’s 143 km range and Hero’s vast dealer footprint, show how incumbents are pivoting successfully.Ola’s woes serve as a cautionary tale: innovation alone won’t suffice without reliable support. With e-2W sales comprising 5-6% of total two-wheeler volumes, the segment’s growth hinges on infrastructure like charging networks and policy continuity under schemes like PM E-Drive.As festive lights illuminate streets, the EV race promises fireworks. Will Bajaj hold its ground, or will TVS reclaim the crown? One thing’s certain: India’s green mobility revolution is accelerating, one scooter at a time.
