It could be termed as a fine coincidence that the World EV Day has the EV industry the world over witnessing a fall in battery cell prices below the USD 100 per kWh mark for the first time in two years. The latest average price from the Benchmark Lithium-ion battery cell price assessment is USD 98.3 per kWh approximately and the reason being attributed is the near halving of Lithium prices in China as its economic continues to slowdown. 

For India, which is touted as the world’s fastest growing electric micro mobility market in the world, the news should make the electric vehicle industry happy even though not many would be keen to immediately pass on the benefit to its customers. In India, most electric vehicles feature Lithium-ion battery packs with cells that are sourced from China, Korea or Taiwan. Those that are being made at a very small scale have the material coming from markets such as China where the prices off late have been turning quite lucrative. 

Speaking on the eve of the World EV Day, Sanjay Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Electric Passenger Vehicle Business at BYD India, said, “Today, as we mark World EV Day, we are celebrating a sustainable future in motion and charging ahead into an electrified era. Let’s embrace the power of electric vehicles to drive positive change for our planet and future generations. With the launch of our #GoGreenWithBYD campaign, we aim to inspire every individual to embrace sustainable lifestyles and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for all.”  

Sameer Agarwal, Founder and CEO, Revfin Services, mentioned, “On this special day, we celebrate not just the technology but the people and communities coming together to create a sustainable tomorrow. At Revfin, we believe that the road ahead is electric, and we're driving change.”  

Sandiip Bhammer, Founder and Co-Managing Partner, Green Frontier Capital, averred, “For India to truly embrace EVs, we must catalyse a nationwide ‘charging revolution’. It's not merely about rolling out electric cars; it's the backbone of power behind them which truly counts. The heart of our modern mobility lies in every strategically placed charging station and every innovative solution we bring to the table. We envision a landscape wherein electric chargers are as commonplace as our current petrol pumps, seamlessly integrated into the rhythm of daily life. It's a dance of technology and infrastructure, a harmony between innovation and tradition. An electrified road is no longer a distant dream, but a reality we must confront. This is the future India not only needs but rightfully deserves.” 

Namit Jain, Co-founder and CEO, Rupyy, said, “As we commemorate World EV Day, we're reminded that we stand at a pivotal juncture akin to the early days of the internet—globally symbolised by Tesla's transformative impact and Europe's robust green policies. In India, the two-wheel electric vehicle sector has exhibited a robust growth of 60 percent in H1CY23, capturing a seven-percent market share from just 1 percent two years prior. While challenges persist—ranging from high initial costs to infrastructural gaps—the landscape is ripe for disruption. One such avenue is the evolving fintech sector, which is playing an increasingly significant role in EV adoption by streamlining financing options. From a 30 percent to 40 percent surge in EV financing penetration in recent months, fintech innovations are effectively democratising access to electric mobility. Supported by government initiatives, technological breakthroughs, and financial ingenuity, we are confident that India is steering towards a sustainable and electrified future.”  

Ketan Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, HOP Electric Mobility, expressed, “Global climate concerns have been driving nations toward sustainability. India's pledge for carbon neutrality by 2070 spurs interest in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) like, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, Electric Vehicles (EVs), among other options. Electric Vehicles’ adoption has been gaining traction due to their lower carbon footprint and cost-efficiency. In the first-half of CY-2023, the segment has experienced consistent sales, surpassing the 100,000-unit mark each month according to government estimates. Efforts are also underway to establish a nationwide charging network by the government and companies collaboratively. We are expanding our 'HOP Infinity Energy Network’, which we piloted in Rajasthan. We are now rolling it out to other states.” 

Mayank Bindal, Founder and CEO, Snap E Cabs, averred, “At Snap-E it would be fair to say that the entire company has imbibed the CSR ethos; We believe that solving some of the most pressing transportation problem for our customers in a profitable way and leading the way to help adopt sustainable practices and helping the planet are not two different goals. They are one and the same.” With about 400 plus cabs (all 100 percent EV) in operations, Kolkata based Snap-E is among the largest EV Cab fleet owners in the country. 
Rajat Verma, Founder and CEO, Lohum, said, “Lohum's activities are driving change by building a sustainable supply of energy transition materials. By pioneering solutions that turn EV batteries and critical material waste into virtually infinite value, we pace toward a future that makes full use of its resources and takes accountability for our planet.” 

Narayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder and CEO, Ultraviolette Automotive, mentioned, “Electric mobility in India is on the rise and we at Ultraviolette are proud of our contribution to this transformation with our flagship product - the F77. We believe the value of electric vehicle technology lies not just in functional use case segments but also in exciting, performance driven segments. India is now an emerging leader in the global EV arena demonstrating rapid EV adoption consistently. We applaud the initiatives undertaken by the government and industry to bolster this transition, including the FAME II scheme and the PLI scheme. These policies not only offer financial incentives to manufacturers and buyers but also provide crucial guidance to the ecosystem.” 

Nitin Kapoor, Managing Director, Saera Electric Auto Ltd, expressed, "With 40 different types of vehicles and USD 4.23 billion market value, the Indian EV market stood at 11th position in the world on the readiness index. Thus, there is an urgent need to accelerate the EV transition of the country in line with sustainable development goals. The large market with huge domestic demand augurs a golden future for green mobility in India. Electric rickshaws, which are phenomenal in first and last-mile connectivity in metros and providing affordable commutation to sub-urban and rural populace, can further propel India’s EV industry with government support. The industry seeks a more amicable approach from the government with favourable initiatives like subsidies, lower taxes, simple financing alternatives, development of EV charging infrastructure, and establishment of uniform infrastructure standards. These measures are essential in driving India towards a more sustainable future powered by electric vehicles". 

Ankit Mittal, Co-Founder and CEO, Sheru, said, "India’s EV sales are at a tipping point, with this being the first year that sales of EVs going past the five-percent mark of all vehicles sold. This is an important figure. India’s EV sector has thus crossed its infancy stage and is poised to enter the rapid growth stage. While we look back at what has been achieved with satisfaction, we must also be prepared for what is to come next. If we implement our plans and execute it well, India’s mobility sector will witness a transformation in the coming years. Sheru is leading EV sustainability from the front". 

Ashish Deswal, Founder, EarthtronEV, averred, "With more people shifting to EVs, the Indian electric vehicle market size of USD 4.23 billion in 2023 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 68 percent to reach USD 152 billion by 2030. The country aims to achieve 100 percent electric mobility by 2030, which requires rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Still, the charging infrastructure is not sufficient to provide an adequate pace for mobility transition. Besides, a move towards standardisation of EV charging connectors is necessary to benefit the EV charging industry and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation".

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In a significant move for sustainable aviation infrastructure, Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles, has supplied its first fleet of all-electric tarmac coaches to IndiGo airlines. The delivery of six Eicher Skyline Pro-E 12-metre buses inaugurates a strategic partnership centred on clean energy and operational efficiency, marking Eicher's inaugural entry into the aviation ground support equipment sector.

Deployed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, these zero-emission buses are engineered for the rigours of airport tarmac operations. With a mission to safely ferry passengers between the terminal and their aircraft in utmost comfort, the buses feature a high-capacity layout with seating for 17 passengers plus a driver, along with ample space for 52 standing occupants.

Its advanced lithium-iron phosphate battery and CCS2 fast-charging system are designed to sustain continuous operation. For a smooth and stable ride, the vehicle is equipped with full air suspension, power-assisted steering, and disc brakes on all axles. This initiative is a key part of IndiGo’s broader strategy to minimise the environmental impact of its operations.

Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President – Bus Division, VECV, said, "We are honoured to partner with IndiGo in their journey towards greener and sustainable ground operations at Kempegowda Airport – recognised for its striking aesthetics and sustainable practices. With a broad range of buses optimised for demanding applications and backed by connected 24X7 service, Eicher is already a familiar name for citizens, school children and factory staff in Bengaluru. With these tarmac coaches, Eicher stands committed to sustainably transporting the 42 million passengers that use this gateway to India’s Silicon Valley each year.”

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SnapE Cabs, an electric vehicle mobility company, has secured USD 2.5 million in a bridge round led by Inflection Point Ventures. This infusion of capital will be directed towards leasing new EV cabs, covering operational expenses and enhancing the company's technological product development.

The company has reached a significant financial milestone by achieving EBITDA positivity. This success is underpinned by substantial growth, including a fleet that now exceeds 1,000 electric vehicles. SnapE Cabs has garnered over 1.2 million paying users and facilitated more than 3.2 million rides, culminating in gross revenues of INR 1.20 billion. Its recent strategic expansion into the Delhi market, in partnership with Rapido, has already proven profitable with an initial deployment of 200 cars.

A key to SnapE's competitive edge is its unique operational model, which is based on full ownership of its electric fleet and exclusive partnerships with charge point operators. This ‘EV as a Service’ approach ensures high vehicle availability. The company enjoys operating costs 60-70 percent lower than traditional cabs, allowing for competitive pricing without compromising profitability. Furthermore, SnapE demonstrates remarkable efficiency with a customer acquisition cost of just 0.8 percent of revenue and a 90 percent rider retention rate. Future scalability is anchored in ambitious B2B plans, including a collaboration with Rapido to deploy 5,000 cabs across India within two years.

Founded by Mayank Bindal, an industry veteran with over 15 years of telecom experience and a master’s degree in finance, SnapE Cabs currently operates in Kolkata and is expanding into the Delhi-NCR region. The company supports its operations with its own proprietary charging network.

Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, said, “The demand for clean and sustainable vehicles is growing globally. The ride-hailing platforms are no exception. With an increasing number of people using ride-hailing services, this sector urgently needs a greener alternative. SnapE Cabs is addressing this by not only offering EV cab services but by also building a supportive infrastructure. Its model is both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable, achieving growth without burning cash for customer acquisition, discounts and fleet operations. The recent tie up with Rapido further strengthens the company mission for India’s EV adoption and sustainable goal.”

Mayank Bindal, Founder and CEO, SnapE Cabs, said, “We’re not just expanding; we’re delivering profitability at scale. With IPV backing us in this bridge round, SnapE has already deployed 200 electric cabs in Delhi in the last three months, which have been profitable from day one. Over the next 12 months, we’re adding another 1,000 cars, not to chase growth metrics but to meet a very real supply gap left open in the market. Our focus shifts from a demand aggregation to a supply-led infrastructure model empowers other demand aggregators, enhances utilisation and de-risks margins. In a sector built on burns, recent disruptions have created visible white space and squeezed up margins; SnapE is proving that EV fleet economics work today not just on projections. This round accelerates our mission to build the backbone that enables India’s EV mobility vision for 2030 – clean, scalable and built on fundamentals.”

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The third largest automobile market saw a staggering 2,142,565 units of electric vehicles sold between September 2024 and August 2025, according to data from Vahan Dashboard (excluding Telangana).

The electric vehicle sales in India witnessed mixed sales in August, 2025, according to the same source. Statistics put electric two-wheeler sales at the lead with 104,373 units compared to July’s 103,469 units, followed by four wheelers at 17,387 units from 16,127 units a month earlier and the rest of the pie was goods carriers, buses and three-wheeler cargo carriers.

The dashboard also reported a decline in electric rickshaw sales that dell to 36,962 from 39,782 in July, followed by electric three-wheeler L5 passenger (18,007 from 20,446) and electric carts (6,213 from 6,817).

Nonetheless, the market sentiment about this vehicular segment seems to be strong. Exuding confidence on World EV Day 2025, Deepak Manwani, Head of Operations and Revenue at Yuma Energy, told Motoring Trends, “As India’s automotive sector accelerates towards electrification, the momentum is unmistakable in two- and three-wheelers. What began with fleet use cases is now rapidly entering personal mobility with adoption climbing year-on-year.”

He noted that supportive government policies such as FAME II, the newly launched PM e-DRIVE scheme and state-level EV mandates for EV adoption as well as for charging and swapping infrastructure creation are creating a strong policy tailwind.

There is also an influx of customised financing options for EVs, which is providing further impetus to the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments. Industry projections indicate that by 2030, nearly 35–40 percent of new two-wheelers and over 50 percent of three-wheelers could be electric with more ambitious scenarios targeting up to 80 percent penetration in these categories.

Sharing the same confidence, Som Kapoor, Partner at EY India, noted, “EVs currently make up about five percent of the market and we’re at an inflection point. Growth is inevitable and the consistent share across different vehicle sizes signals strong policy support from the government. EV adoption will continue to expand as part of the overall auto market.”

He shared that post-pandemic, the Indian automobile market has witnessed stabilised growth at around 3–4 percent, rather than in double digits. With the upcoming GST changes, a boost in small cars and overall volume is expected, especially in the second half of this year.

“In terms of EVs, the two-wheelers segment, which already has a growing momentum, will continue in the path. We expect strong growth in segments where vehicles work on closed routes or where assets are monetised daily, such as three-wheelers and commercial vehicles. These areas will see tremendous adoption,” added Kapoor.

Market command

Despite a modest share in the entire automobile market currently, EVs are expected to gobble at least one-third of the pie. Alluding to this, Manwani noted, “By the end of this decade, we expect electric vehicles to command nearly a third of India’s automotive market with two and three-wheelers at the forefront of this shift. Projections indicate that up to 70–80 percent of new scooters, motorcycles and electric-rickshaws could be electric by 2030, while passenger cars and buses steadily build towards 20–25 percent adoption.”

At the global level, where there are outliers like China and the Nordics leading the EV penetration, India is broadly in line with other major markets and the adoption levels are comparable to its global peers, noted Kapoor.

Furthermore, the torch bearer for EV adoption till the end of the decade is expected to be two-wheelers and three-wheelers. “These are the vehicles that define our cities – scooters weaving through traffic, delivery bikes bringing food to our doors and rickshaws ferrying millions on their daily commutes,” said Manwani.  

He added, “They are the lifeblood of urban mobility, and because they run hard and run often, they are also the first to embrace the undeniable economics of going electric. Cars, meanwhile, will follow steadily, starting with city users and early adopters who see EVs as both aspirational and practical for daily city commutes. And then there are our commercial fleets, buses connecting cities, trucks and vans moving goods across states, slowly but surely shifting to electric because the savings are too big to ignore.”

Another boon for the indigenous industry will be collaborations, according to Kapoor. “As Chinese collaboration opens up, we expect to see technology transfers and joint ventures that can accelerate India’s EV ecosystem. These partnerships will be valuable for scaling both manufacturing and innovation,” he contended.

Drawing on the same lines, Omega Seiki Mobility Chairman Uday Narang noted, “Over the past year, India’s EV sector has moved from experimentation to consolidation with stronger players and sustainable models emerging. EV three-wheelers, both passenger and cargo, along with new-age electric trucks, especially in the 1–1.5 tonne category will be the real growth drivers of this market.”

Commenting on current market domination of EVs, Kazam Chief Executive Officer Akshay Shekhar opined, “India's EV narrative is transitioning from initial curiosity to industrial scale. It is not only from the vehicles but also from charging infrastructure and software orchestration. In the next five years, we anticipate chargers to be as pervasive as fuel pumps for three- and two-wheelers with charging equipment closely integrated into fleet operations, home installations and e-commerce logistics.”

Supply and power

Volks Energie Chief Executive Officer Piyush Goyal opined that the world is moving towards largescale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy and that companies in India are feeling that effect.

“What started as a symbolic initiative five years ago, has turned into a global movement today as the world collectively and rapidly moves towards large-scale adoption of clean mobility and sustainable energy. This adoption reflects not only a technological change and preference but also a shift in the societal expectations from the automotive and renewable industries overall. Consumers today demand cleaner and more resilient energy systems,” he stated.

Moreover, the Central Government’s ambitious plans to make the country an export hub can well be extended to electric vehicles. Alluding to the strategy, Kapoor stated, “Our immediate priority should be strengthening the local market. That said, companies like Maruti are already exporting EV models before bringing them to Indian customers. India has the technological capability and manufacturing infrastructure to grow as an export hub over time. Steady progress will be key.”

While he noted that currently the three main challenges for higher penetration are charging infrastructure, consumer mindset shift towards EVs and high upfront cost of ownership, private charging access is seen as a crucial.

“In India, many homes lack dedicated parking slots, making at-home charging challenging. Until that improves, public charging needs significant expansion. Both private and public infrastructure must evolve to support mass adoption,” noted Kapoor.

Another barrier pointed out was the reliance on imported components. According to Manwani, “India is heavily reliant on imported components for its EVs, especially batteries and advanced electronics, which makes India vulnerable to any kind of supply shocks due to changing geo-political scenarios. The current geo-political uncertainties have caused production disruptions in the last six months. And to overcome this, India needs to have a long-term plan to become self-reliant on cell manufacturing, rare earth magnet production as well as cultivating alternative sources of lithium and other metals essential for sustaining India’s EV ecosystem.”

Motwani also added that cell prices have dropped by as much as 40–50 percent in the last 24 months and this has certainly helped spur new demand in India. This has also meant larger battery packs in vehicles, thereby helping reduce range anxiety and making EVs a viable option in a market where charging infrastructure is still catching up.

For swapping players, this has been a boon as reducing cell and battery price means faster asset deployment due to lower capex spend. This has helped drive large scale transformation in commercial mobility in line with the policy push from various quarters.

Kapoor also noted a need to change the direction of incentives. “So far, incentives have largely supported the supply side. We now need demand-side incentives, which are direct benefits to consumers that make EV adoption more attractive,” he said.

Alluding to the growing demand for EVs, Trontek Chief Executive Officer Samrath Singh Kocchar opined, “India's EV ramp-up is being driven by affordable battery prices, policy incentive and fast two-wheeler electrification but true long-term play will be in battery technology, circularity and systems thinking. Over the next five years, we expect major strides in energy density and fast-charging with battery-swapping and modular solutions gaining momentum in fleet operations.”

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VinFast has officially entered India's burgeoning electric vehicle market with the launch of its two made-in-India premium SUVs, the VF 6 and VF 7, starting at INR 1,649,000 and INR 2,089,000 (ex-showroom), respectively. This strategic introduction represents a significant step in the company's global expansion and underscores its commitment to supporting India's transition towards sustainable mobility. The new models are engineered to meet the specific demands of Indian consumers, combining advanced technology, safety and performance to redefine the premium EV ownership experience.

Designed with Indian families in mind, the VF 6 is a compact SUV that blends a sophisticated design with practical functionality. It is offered in three variants – Earth, Wind and Wind Infinity – each providing a distinct set of features. The model boasts an ARAI-certified range of up to 468 kilometres and supports rapid charging, capable of going from 10 percent to 70 percent battery in approximately 25 minutes. Its spacious interior, generous wheelbase and high ground clearance are tailored for comfort and practicality. Standard and upgraded features across the trims include a large infotainment screen, vegan leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including seven airbags.

The larger VF 7 SUV presents a bold design and is available in five variants, including Earth, Wind, Sky, Wind Infinity and Sky Infinity, with both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. It offers a choice of two battery packs, with the top-tier model delivering an impressive range of up to 532 kilometres. Performance is a key highlight, with the dual-motor Sky variant accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. The VF 7 is equipped with a host of premium amenities as standard, such as a coloured head-up display, panoramic glass roof on Infinity trims, a powerful audio system and sophisticated cabin technology.

To ensure a seamless ownership experience, VinFast is establishing a robust national infrastructure. This includes a planned network of dealer touchpoints and service workshops across 27 cities. The company has also forged key strategic partnerships to provide tailored financing options, a nationwide charging infrastructure and comprehensive after-sales support. A cornerstone of its local commitment is a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where the vehicles will be assembled for the domestic market and future export. Leveraging its international experience from operations across North America, Europe and Asia, VinFast is positioned to become a major contributor to India's electric future.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “Today marks a historic milestone – the launch of cars that are not just made in India, but made by Indians, for Indians. We are introducing a complete electric mobility ecosystem thoughtfully designed for Indian families. The VF 6 and VF 7 embody the perfect harmony of practical design, premium quality and cutting-edge technology that Indian consumers aspire to. Backed by our state-of-the-art Thoothukudi facility and strong ecosystem partnerships, we are committed to supporting India’s vision of becoming a global leader in electric mobility.”

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