Charging Infra, Govt Push And Battery Swapping Will Boost EV Adoption in 2025

Charging Infra, Govt Push And Battery Swapping Will Boost EV Adoption in 2025

The adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in India is poised to see a boost in adoption numbers driven by a rapidly expanding charging network, growth in battery swapping models and government policies such as the PM e-drive.
The respective sector demonstrated strong momentum in 2024, with total sales reaching nearly 1.95 million units across segments. Industry experts see this growth trajectory continuing into 2025, supported by expanding charging infrastructure, battery swapping networks and favorable government policies.
Alluding to the performance of the sector in 2024 ICRA Corporate Ratings Senior Vice President Srikumar Krishnamurthy said, “Electric vehicles in India continued to gain traction in 2024 supported by factors like government incentives, changing consumer needs new product launches, technological advancements, etc. Nevertheless, the EV penetration levels remain modest, particularly in cars and trucks, though adoption in two-wheelers and three-wheelers and buses is better. The government’s policy measures remain supportive; the PM e-drive scheme is expected to aid faster EV adoption apart from the development of the EV manufacturing ecosystem. While the transition is gradual, the EV sector holds promise as a cornerstone for sustainable mobility, with significant growth potential in the coming years."
According to data from Vahan Dashboard 19,48,957 EVs were sold between January and December 2024. Electric two-wheelers dominated the market with sales translating to 1.2 million units followed by the three-wheeler segment that sold 6,94,466 units. 
Meanwhile, the electric car segment continued to show steady progress with 99,848 units sold while the electric-bus sales experienced substantial growth increasing by 39% in CY2024, reaching 3,834 units. 
Ola Electric dominated the two-wheeler segment with a 35.42 percent market share followed by TVS (19.49 percent), Bajaj (16.58 percent), Ather (11.08 percent) and Hero (3.78 percent).
In the three-wheeler passenger segment, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility led with approximately 10 percent market share, while Bajaj Auto demonstrated exceptional growth. The three-wheeler cargo segment saw Mahindra LMM maintaining leadership with about 11 percent market share, while Bajaj Auto showed impressive growth to capture 4.7 percent market share. 
In the electric car segment, Tata Motors maintained dominance with roughly 62 percent market share, followed by MG Motor India at 22 percent, Mahindra & Mahindra (7 percent), BYD (2.85 percent), and PCA (2.19 percent), while in the electric bus segment, Tata Motors retained its leadership position with all major players showing significant sales growth.
2025 Outlook
Alluding to the sectoral outlook for 2025, Altigreen Propulsion Labs Chief Executive Officer Amitabh Sharan noted, “The electric vehicle industry in India stands at a transformative crossroads in 2025, with the market projected to reach USD 235 billion by 2030 at a remarkable CAGR of 49 percent. The sector will witness remarkable growth (especially in commercial vehicles) in 2025, driven by a combination of TCO benefits, technological advancements for better quality vehicles and driveability, and changing consumer perception towards EVs. However, the road to widespread EV adoption will need to overcome significant challenges viz-a-viz innovative vehicle financing, urban charging infrastructure, consistency in policy and regulatory framework, supply-chain localisation (for price parity with ICE) and very importantly skill development through industry-academia partnerships.”
Revfin Founder Sameer Aggarwal said, “2024 has been a defining year for India’s automotive sector, marked by accelerated adoption of electric vehicles, advancements in sustainability, and the integration of innovative technologies. Building on this momentum, 2025 is expected to be a year for EV adoption. With an intensified focus on developing robust EV charging infrastructure and scaling up battery-swapping networks, transitioning to electric mobility will become more seamless for consumers. Coupled with innovative financing models and targeted efforts to reach underserved markets, the industry is set to overcome accessibility barriers and make sustainable mobility a reality for all. Collaboration between automakers, policymakers, and technology providers will ensure a cohesive ecosystem, enabling India to lead the way in sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions.”
Godawari Electric Motors Director Hyder Ali Khan noted, “As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited about the robust expansion of our Eblu product portfolio, catering to the evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, we have some promising public and private orders in the pipeline, which will further accelerate our growth trajectory. We remain committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the EV sector and look forward to continued collaboration with our stakeholders to shape a cleaner and greener future for mobility.”
Zypp Electric Chief Executive Officer Akash Gupta revealed plans for 2025 along with the sector outlook and stated, “Looking ahead to 2025, Zypp Electric is committed to deploying 200,000 electric vehicles across the country in the next 12-18 months and we will double down on innovation, fleet expansion and partnerships to meet growing demand. We will focus on bolstering EV charging infrastructure, enhancing intelligent fleet management, and contributing to India's net-zero goals. Together, we aim to revolutionise last-mile logistics and make green mobility the norm for businesses and communities alike.”
On the components front, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association Director General Vinnie Mehta averred, “The Indian auto component industry is poised for robust double-digit growth in FY25, driven by strategic efforts to reduce import dependence and bolster exports. The electric vehicle component segment is witnessing remarkable year-on-year growth, propelled by the surging demand for sustainable mobility solutions. Key drivers include advancements in electric powertrains and battery systems, supported by increased investments in localization, R&D, and progressive government policies. These developments underscore the industry’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and establishing India as a prominent global manufacturing hub."
As India furthers its journey towards carbon neutrality within the mobility sector, EV adoption is slated to accelerate even in the luxury car segment. According to a news report citing Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, the luxury EV market grew by 6.7 percent in 2024 despite decline in sales. 
BMW witnessed the highest sales followed by Mercedes Benz India, Volvo, Audi and Porsche. 

Image for representative purpose only

Lloyds Metals And Energy Completes World-First Electric Conversion Of Liebherr Excavator

LMEL

Lloyds Metals and Energy (LMEL) has completed the diesel-to-electric conversion of a Liebherr R996 excavator, marking the first time a mining machine in this category has been retrofitted for fully electric operations.

The project was executed by the company's internal engineering and technology teams and involved a redesign of the vehicle's power architecture and control systems. The shift to electric power is intended to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions associated with the machine's operation while reducing reliance on diesel fuel.

The engineering process included the development of proprietary digital monitoring and safety solutions to manage the high-power requirements of the heavy-duty excavator. By sourcing and engineering major subsystems within India, the project serves as a demonstration of domestic capability in advanced heavy engineering and sustainable industrial innovation.

LMEL expects the conversion to improve operational performance through the use of real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Established in 1977, LMEL operates iron ore mines in Maharashtra and is expanding its integrated steel operations. The company currently produces 0.7 MTPA of direct reduced iron (DRI) and has commissioned a 4 MTPA pellet plant, with long-term plans to increase iron ore dispatch capacity to 26 MTPA. Its sustainability strategy includes the deployment of electric vehicle fleets and the construction of slurry pipelines to lower transport-related emissions.

B Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy, said, “This landmark achievement, is not just about electrifying a machine – it is about reimagining the future of mining. At LMEL, we believe that responsible mining and sustainability must go hand in hand. This achievement demonstrates India’s capability to deliver world-class, zero-emission solutions in even the most complex and heavy-duty environments. We are proud to contribute to a future where mining is both productive and environmentally responsible.”

Tata Motors Commences Deliveries Of Electric Prime Movers To BillionE Mobility

Tata Motors - BillionE Mobility

Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has begun delivering the first batch of Prima E.55S electric prime movers to BillionE Mobility, as part of an order for 250 units of the EV.

The fleet is scheduled for phased deployment across freight corridors in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and the Delhi NCR region to transport industrial goods including steel and cement.

The Prima E.55S is constructed on the i-MoEV architecture and utilises a 450 kWh battery pack, which is claimed to be the largest in its category. The e-truck comes with a claimed range of up to 350 km on a single charge and features an integrated e-axle, a three-speed automatic transmission and dual-gun fast-charging capabilities.

In terms of safety it get a driver monitoring system, lane departure warning and an electronic braking system.

BillionE Mobility intends to scale its heavy-duty logistics operations to 1,500 units over the next 18 months through this strategic partnership. Tata Motors supports its alternative fuel portfolio through the Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative and a service network comprising 3,200 touchpoints across India.

Kartikey Hariyani, Founder of BillionE & ChargeZone, and Sanjeev Kulkarni, CEO of BillionE Mobility, said, “Our focus at Billion Electric Mobility is on building electric commercial vehicle solutions that can be deployed reliably, and at scale across real freight operations for inter-city routes. We are entering into a strategic partnership with Tata Motors as we aim to accelerate our commitment for systematic large-scale acquisition and month on month planned pipeline for deployment 6 to 18 months targeting 1,500 units of heavy‑duty logistics in India. The Tata Prima E.55S delivers the performance, reliability and operational efficiency required for intensive logistics solutions across various applications. We are pleased to induct Prima E.55S 450kWh, India’s largest in-class battery capacity of 450 kWh to enhance our long-haul logistics capabilities.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “Electric trucking scales when vehicles are built for real operating conditions – duty cycles, uptime, energy efficiency and total cost of ownership. Developed with this application‑led approach, the Prima E.55S brings together India’s first high‑performance e‑axle, an advanced battery management system and dual charging ports, supported by a segment‑leading 450 kWh battery pack designed for extended range and demanding duty cycles. These technologies translate into strong performance, higher uptime and lower operating costs, enabling customers to achieve faster payback. Our close collaboration with BillionE Mobility has ensured alignment across the vehicle and the supporting ecosystem, enabling dependable electric operations across key freight corridors.”

Switch Mobility Deploys Electric Intercity Coaches On Mumbai–Pune Route

Switch Mobility

Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle division of the Hinduja Group, has delivered the first 10 units of its EiV12mt intercity electric coaches to Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions.

The e-buses were inaugurated in Pune and will operate on the Mumbai–Pune corridor. This deployment represents the manufacturer's first supply of intercity coaches to a private sector operator and facilitates the entry of Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions into the electric intercity segment.

The delivery is part of a larger order for 25 electric buses being deployed in partnership with Vertelo. The remaining units are scheduled for delivery throughout the year. The EiV12mt coach is designed for long-distance operations, featuring 45 pushback seats and a range exceeding 300 km per charge. The vehicle incorporates fast-charging technology and the Switch iON connected system for real-time fleet monitoring and data analysis.

Till date, Switch Mobility has deployed over 2,500 electric buses in India to date and has previously supplied intercity vehicles to state transport undertakings such as UPSRTC. The company intends to scale its presence in the intercity segment as operators transition from internal combustion engines to electric propulsion for high-frequency travel corridors.

Ganesh Mani, CEO, Switch Mobility, said, “The flag-off marks another important step in expanding electric mobility beyond cities and strengthening our presence in the intercity segment. This partnership reflects the growing confidence in electric buses for high-frequency routes like Mumbai–Pune, where performance, reliability, and efficiency are critical. As we commence deliveries, with the first set of buses now deployed, we look forward to progressively scaling this engagement with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions in the period ahead. At Switch Mobility, we are focused on delivering solutions through the EiV12 platform that are not only sustainable but also commercially viable for operators, while ensuring a superior passenger experience. With intercity mobility continuing to evolve, we are building on our experience in the segment and remain committed to accelerating the adoption of reliable, efficient, and future-ready electric mobility solutions.”

Prasanna Patwardhan, CMD, Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions, added, “Entering the intercity segment with electric mobility is a significant milestone for us. Through this collaboration, we are introducing a cleaner and more efficient travel option on the Mumbai–Pune route. We remain focused on enhancing the overall journey experience while moving towards more sustainable operations. With Switch Mobility we value our partnership for long term E Mobility Solutions.”

BMW hydrogen

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group has introduced a new hydrogen tank architecture for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, extending the vehicle's range to 750 km. The BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system integrates with the vehicle structure to maintain cabin space and compatibility with the company's Gen6 high-voltage battery.

The storage unit consists of 7 high-pressure tanks constructed from carbon-fibre reinforced composite. These tanks are connected in parallel within a metal frame and operate as a single unit controlled by a central valve.

Key performance data:

  • Capacity: Stores at least seven kilograms of hydrogen.
  • Refuelling: Pressure levels of 700 bar allow for a full refill in under five minutes.
  • Propulsion: Utilises Gen3 fuel cell technology combined with the "Heart of Joy" drivetrain and chassis control software.
  • Integration: The flat design allows hydrogen models to be manufactured on the same production lines as petrol, diesel and battery-electric variants.

The development of the powertrain and tank system is part of the ‘HyPowerDrive’ project. The initiative has received EUR 191 million from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and EUR 82 million from the state of Bavaria.

BMW intends to integrate the iX5 Hydrogen into its standard production network in 2028. The flexible architecture of the new X5 allows for five different drive system variants, including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric, to be built on a single platform to reduce technical complexity and manufacturing costs.

Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, said, “Our new storage concept allows us to fit the hydrogen drive system into the new X5 precisely and in a way that saves space. Think of it as installation Tetris: every customer gets the drive system best suited to their needs and a true BMW X5 with no compromises. This is technology openness and the art of engineering just the way we developers love them!”

The hydrogen programme is part of BMW’s ‘technology-open’ strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on specific raw material chains. By offering hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside conventional and battery-electric systems, the company aims to provide long-range electric driving with refuelling times comparable to internal combustion engines.