India’s EV market grew 51% in January 2026. Tata Motors stayed No.1, Mahindra saw massive growth, while MG, BMW and Tesla followed.
India’s EV Market Kicks Off 2026 Strongly, Tata Motors Stays on Top
India’s electric vehicle market started 2026 with strong growth. Tata Motors led EV sales in January, while Mahindra recorded the fastest rise.
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market has started 2026 on a high note, and the numbers clearly show that EVs are becoming more popular than ever. In January 2026 alone, total EV sales reached 18,042 units, which is a big jump from 11,909 units in January 2025. That’s a solid 51 per cent year-on-year growth, proving that more Indians are ready to switch to electric.
Leading the EV race once again was Tata Motors, which stayed far ahead of competitors like JSW MG Motor and Mahindra & Mahindra.
Tata Motors: Still the EV King
Tata Motors continued its strong run by selling 7,852 electric cars in January 2026. This is a 48 per cent increase compared to last year, which is pretty impressive.
The main reason behind Tata’s success is its wide EV lineup. Cars like the Nexon EV, Punch EV, and Tiago EV are popular because they are practical, easy to use, and not too expensive. The newly launched Harrier EV has also caught attention, especially among buyers who want a bigger and more premium electric SUV.
Tata has also focused on EVs for taxi and fleet use, which helps boost numbers. Because of this all-round strategy, Tata continues to rule the Indian EV market.
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Mahindra’s EV Growth Is Seriously Impressive
If there’s one brand that really stood out this month, it’s Mahindra & Mahindra. The company sold 3,589 EVs in January 2026, compared to just 739 units last year. That’s a massive 386 per cent growth, making Mahindra the fastest-growing EV brand right now.
Mahindra recently launched new electric SUVs like the XEV 9S and the XUV 3XO-based EV, and they seem to be getting a good response. On top of that, born-electric models such as the XEV 9E and BE 6 are also gaining popularity.
With its SUV-focused design and bold styling, Mahindra is clearly targeting young buyers and first-time EV owners.
MG Motor Holds Second Spot, But Growth Is Slow
JSW MG Motor managed to stay in second place by selling 4,606 EVs in January 2026. However, the growth was just 2 per cent compared to last year, which means sales were mostly flat.
MG’s electric cars are still popular in cities, but compared to Tata and Mahindra, the brand needs something fresh to pick up momentum. New launches or updates could help MG stay competitive in the coming months.
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Other Brands: Mixed Results
Not all carmakers had a great month. Hyundai sold 326 EVs, slightly less than last year, while BYD and Mercedes-Benz also saw a drop in sales. This shows that just being present in the EV space isn’t enough—pricing, range, and charging support matter a lot.
Luxury EV Brands: Different Stories
In the luxury EV space, BMW India had a good month, selling 312 electric cars, which is a 61 per cent growth. BMW’s premium EVs continue to attract buyers who want performance, comfort, and an eco-friendly image.
Kia surprised everyone with a huge 500 per cent growth, reaching 306 units, though total volumes are still low. On the other hand, brands like Volvo, Porsche, and Audi remained niche players with limited sales.
New EV Brands Enter the Scene
January 2026 also saw new brands like VinFast and Tesla starting their deliveries in India. While their sales numbers are still small, their entry has created a lot of buzz, especially among EV fans and tech lovers.
These brands will need time to build trust, charging support, and competitive pricing to grow in the Indian market.
January 2026 EV Sales
| Brand | Sales |
|---|---|
| Tata Motors | 7,852 |
| JSW MG Motor | 4,606 |
| Mahindra | 3,589 |
| VinFast | 432 |
| Hyundai | 326 |
| BMW | 312 |
| Kia | 306 |
| BYD | 224 |
| Maruti Suzuki | 210 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 69 |
| Total EV Sales | 18,042 |
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What’s Next for EVs in India?
The strong start to 2026 makes one thing clear: EVs are no longer the future—they’re the present. With more electric SUVs coming soon, better charging infrastructure, and improved battery tech, EV adoption is only going to increase.
For now, Tata Motors is leading the way, Mahindra is catching up fast, and global brands are slowly entering the race. For students and young buyers, this means more choices, better tech, and cleaner mobility in the years ahead.
The EV revolution in India is just getting started—and it’s moving fast.