India’s EV Revolution: Paving the Road to Sustainable Mobility

India is in the midst of a mobility transformation—one that is electric, indigenous, and future-ready. What started as an ambitious clean energy vision is now rapidly unfolding on the ground, with the country making significant strides in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. By February 2025, India had already registered over 56.75 lakh electric vehicles, marking a powerful shift from policy promise to real-world progress.

This accelerating transition is being driven by a mix of smart policies, industry investments, growing consumer demand, and a clear national commitment to reducing carbon emissions. India’s EV movement is no longer about potential—it’s about performance.

Policies Charging the Transition

Much of India’s EV success can be attributed to government-backed initiatives that have created a strong foundation for adoption and manufacturing.

One of the earliest and most impactful schemes, FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles), helped build market momentum by offering direct subsidies on EV purchases, particularly for two- and three-wheelers, buses, and commercial fleets.

In October 2024, FAME II was succeeded by the PM E-Drive scheme, a more comprehensive programme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore, designed to run until March 2028. PM E-Drive not only supports the adoption of e-2Ws, e-3Ws, buses, ambulances, and trucks but also backs the expansion of public charging infrastructure and the modernization of testing and certification facilities.

Complementing these efforts, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries and EV components have attracted major investments from both domestic and global players, encouraging local manufacturing and technological innovation.

Another major pillar is the PM e-Bus Sewa, which aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses across 100 Indian cities, transforming public transport systems and bringing clean mobility to the urban core.

The e-VITARA Moment: A Milestone for Make in India

In a defining moment for the Indian EV landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in August 2025, inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s first global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—the e-VITARA—at the Hansalpur plant near Ahmedabad. Fully designed and manufactured in India, the e-VITARA will be exported to over 100 countries, making it a flagship product for India’s growing EV export ambitions.

This launch marks Suzuki’s commitment to India not just as a market, but as a global EV manufacturing hub. The development was welcomed by investors too, with Maruti Suzuki shares hitting a 52-week high following the announcement.

In his address, PM Modi highlighted the importance of such indigenous innovation in India’s green journey, stating that the country is not just adopting technology but also setting new benchmarks in sustainable mobility.

Industry Leaders Fueling the Shift

India’s EV industry is witnessing unprecedented action from multiple automotive players:

Mahindra has unveiled the BE 6 and XEV 9e, both designed to meet the growing demand for electric SUVs. With projected ranges exceeding 550 km, these models are targeted at both Indian and global consumers, and are powered by high-capacity LFP and lithium-ion battery packs.
Ola Electric, which once led the electric two-wheeler segment, recently secured PLI approval for its Gen-3 e-scooter models, enabling it to compete across a broader price and performance spectrum. The company’s focus on in-house technology and battery innovation is seen as a long-term play to capture urban EV users.
Ather Energy has emerged as a strong challenger in the two-wheeler space. In August 2025, it overtook Ola Electric in monthly sales, benefiting from a refined product lineup and improved distribution.
TVS Motor, another legacy name, has maintained a strong presence in the EV two-wheeler space and continues to lead the monthly sales charts, demonstrating how traditional players are adapting rapidly to the EV era.
On the commercial and public transport front, EKA Mobility, supported by PLI incentives, is scaling up its electric bus and delivery vehicle production. It recently partnered with VDL Group and is expanding its base in Uttarakhand, signalling India’s growing expertise in EV manufacturing beyond just personal transport.
VinFast, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer, has entered India with a major investment in Tamil Nadu, setting up a plant with a projected annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles. The move underscores India’s strategic location and growing reputation as a global EV hub.
The JSW Group, in partnership with MG Motor India, has announced ambitious plans to build EV and battery manufacturing facilities, aiming to produce 1 million EVs by 2030. This joint venture is part of India’s broader vision to create a vertically integrated EV value chain—from raw materials to final assembly.

Building the EV Ecosystem: Infrastructure & Innovation

While vehicles are the most visible part of the revolution, the supporting ecosystem is growing just as rapidly.

Charging infrastructure, once considered a major barrier, is expanding across metropolitan and tier-II cities. Thousands of public charging stations have already been installed, and battery-swapping models are gaining traction among last-mile operators. Several Indian startups are also working on ultra-fast chargers, solar-integrated charging stations, and smart grid solutions.

States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are leading with state-specific EV policies that offer tax exemptions, road fee waivers, and additional subsidies. These state-level incentives, combined with central support, are making EV ownership more affordable and accessible to a wider demographic.

Consumer Confidence Grows

Improved vehicle performance, falling battery costs, and growing awareness about climate change have all contributed to rising consumer confidence. Unlike the initial phase, where EVs were seen as niche products, they are now mainstream choices for personal, commercial, and public transport.

Notably, EV penetration in new vehicle sales is projected to cross 30% by 2030, with electric two-wheelers expected to lead the growth due to their affordability and convenience.

A Vision Powered by Sustainability and Self-Reliance

India’s electric mobility movement is not just about adopting clean technology—it’s about reshaping an entire ecosystem. With the right policy framework, manufacturing incentives, and global partnerships, the country is laying the groundwork for an EV-led future that is sustainable, self-reliant, and economically inclusive.

As India continues to lead by example, its EV revolution offers a compelling blueprint for other emerging economies looking to balance development with environmental responsibility. The road ahead is electric—and India is driving it with purpose.