Mahindra has officially overtaken MG to claim the second position among electric vehicle manufacturers in India during the first half of 2026, signalling a notable shift in the country’s evolving EV landscape. Sales figures for the January to June period show Mahindra delivering 38,751 electric vehicles, comfortably ahead of MG’s 27,973 units. Tata Motors continues to hold a clear lead at the top of the rankings with 59,961 units sold across its expanded electric portfolio.The standout performer driving Mahindra’s ascent is the XEV 9S, the company’s seven-seater family electric SUV. This model alone accounted for 18,167 units in the six-month period, making it India’s second-highest-selling electric vehicle, just behind the MG Windsor which recorded 19,080 units. The narrow gap between the two models highlights how quickly the XEV 9S has gained traction since its introduction, particularly among buyers seeking genuine three-row practicality in an electric package.
This result represents more than a simple ranking change. It underscores a growing preference in the Indian market for family-oriented electric vehicles that prioritise space, versatility and everyday usability over purely compact or lifestyle-focused designs. The XEV 9S has successfully tapped into demand from larger households that previously found limited options in the electric segment capable of comfortably seating six or seven passengers while still delivering competitive range and modern features.
Mahindra’s broader electric lineup also contributed to the overall volume, with models such as the BE 6 and other variants helping the brand establish a stronger presence across multiple price points. The company’s strategy of developing purpose-built electric platforms tailored to Indian conditions and customer needs appears to be paying dividends. By focusing on SUVs that address real family requirements, including ample cabin space and flexible seating, Mahindra has differentiated itself in a market that was earlier dominated by smaller electric hatchbacks and compact crossovers.
The first-half performance comes against the backdrop of continued expansion in India’s overall electric passenger vehicle market, which has seen robust year-on-year growth. Tata Motors maintains its leadership through a wide range of models that appeal to different buyer segments, yet Mahindra’s rapid climb demonstrates how effectively a well-timed product focused on family needs can reshape competitive positions. MG, while still a significant player thanks largely to the consistent volumes of the Windsor, has seen its relative standing adjust as newer family-oriented offerings gain momentum.
Looking ahead, the success of the XEV 9S is likely to encourage further development of larger electric vehicles in the Indian market. As charging infrastructure improves and more buyers experience the practicality of three-row electric SUVs, demand for such models is expected to strengthen. Mahindra’s achievement in the first half of 2026 serves as clear evidence that family-focused electric cars are not only viable but can become volume drivers capable of elevating an entire brand’s market position. The results reinforce that the Indian EV story is increasingly being written by vehicles that combine zero-emission benefits with the space and versatility Indian families truly need.
