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India’s EV Revolution Accelerates: Passenger Vehicle Sales Double in H1 FY26, Hitting 91,726 Units

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is firing on all cylinders, with passenger vehicle sales exploding in the first half of fiscal year 2026 (FY26, April to September 2025). In a remarkable display of consumer appetite for green mobility, 91,726 electric passenger vehicles (E-PVs) were sold during this period—nearly matching the entire FY25 total of around 1.07 lakh units. This surge represents a staggering 108% year-on-year (YoY) growth from the 44,172 units sold in the same half of FY25, catapulting EVs’ share in the overall passenger vehicle market to nearly 5%—more than double the 2.6% recorded at the end of FY25.Fueled by falling battery prices, expanding charging infrastructure, government incentives, and a wave of compelling models, this momentum signals a tipping point for India’s auto industry. As urban consumers prioritize sustainability and cost savings, premium and mass-market brands alike are reaping the rewards. With festive sales adding extra spark—especially during Navratri to Diwali—EVs are no longer niche; they’re becoming mainstream. Let’s zoom in on the standout performers: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Tata Motors, whose electric lineups are driving this electrifying growth.

BMW India: EVs Claim 21% Share, iX1 Leads the Pack

Luxury marque BMW is witnessing its electric portfolio transform from a curiosity to a volume powerhouse. Between January and September 2025, BMW Group India delivered 2,509 electric BMWs and MINIs, marking a phenomenal 246% YoY surge. This robust performance has elevated EVs to 21% of the company’s total sales, with the long-wheelbase iX1 emerging as the undisputed bestseller—its blend of premium features, locally assembled appeal, and competitive pricing resonating strongly with buyers.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President & CEO of BMW India, highlighted the trajectory: “We recorded the highest EV sales between Jan to Sept 2025.” Looking ahead, the brand is bullish, targeting over 30% EV contribution by the end of the decade through an expanded lineup, including upcoming models like the i5 sedan and Neue Klasse EVs. This isn’t just growth; it’s a strategic pivot that’s bolstering BMW’s premium positioning in a market hungry for high-end electrics.

Mercedes-Benz India: Record Quarter for EVs, EQS SUV Shines

Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz India notched its strongest-ever quarter for electric sales in Q2 FY26 (July-September 2025), with a 10% YoY increase propelling EVs to nearly 8% of its overall portfolio. Leading the charge was the locally produced EQS SUV, which clocked its highest-ever monthly figures, underscoring the model’s success in blending opulent luxury with zero-emission prowess.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, emphasized the strategic importance: “EVs are a key element in the company’s decarbonisation roadmap. Our top-end battery electrics drive our strategy.” This performance aligns with Mercedes’ broader Q2 success, where total sales hit a record 5,119 units, driven by strong SUV demand and the long-wheelbase E-Class. As India’s luxury EV segment grows—up 66% YoY in the first five months of 2025—Mercedes is well-positioned to capture affluent buyers seeking sophisticated, tech-laden electrics.

Tata Motors: 59% Q2 Surge, Festive Fireworks with 25,000 Units

In the mass-premium segment, homegrown giant Tata Motors continues to dominate, reporting a 59% YoY jump in EV sales during Q2 FY26, with approximately 25,000 units retailed. EVs now comprise 17% of its passenger vehicle sales, a testament to the enduring popularity of models like the Nexon.ev, Punch.ev, and Tigor.ev. September alone saw a record 9,191 EV units dispatched—a 96% YoY leap—capping off a quarter where the Punch-Nexon duo fueled overall PV volumes.The festive season amplified this momentum, with over 10,000 EVs sold in the 30-day Navratri-to-Diwali window, up 37% YoY. Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, noted: “EVs have also played a strong part in the company’s healthy performance during the just-ended festive season. Our EV portfolio continued its upward trajectory.” Tata’s edge lies in its affordable, feature-rich offerings and nationwide charging network via Tata Power, making EVs accessible to middle-class families and fleet operators alike.

A Greener Horizon: What’s Next for India’s EV Market?

This H1 FY26 boom—covering 86% of FY25’s full-year EV PV sales in just six months—portends even bigger numbers ahead. Industry watchers like Anurag Mehrotra, MD of JSW MG Motor, predict EVs will surpass 7% market share by FY26-end, with hybrids joining to hit 30% in the next decade. Incoming launches from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, coupled with policy pushes like FAME-III incentives, could accelerate this further.

Yet challenges remain: supply chain hiccups, range anxiety in tier-2/3 cities, and GST tweaks on batteries. Still, with exports also surging—India shipped a record 31.4 lakh vehicles in H1 FY26, up 24% YoY—the ecosystem is maturing rapidly. For buyers, it’s a golden window: lower running costs (under Rs 1 per km), instant torque, and eco-credentials make EVs irresistible. As India aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030, these figures aren’t just stats—they’re the spark of a sustainable mobility revolution. Buckle up; the road ahead is electric.

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