Welcome to our third installment of EV sales analysis in India, brought to you with insights derived from the Vahan dashboard. While our previous two analyses focused on monthly trends—most recently covering May 2025—this time, we’re shifting gears. With the first half of 2025 (H1'25) now complete, we’re diving deep into how electric vehicles (EVs) have performed over these six months. This blog marks a significant pivot from our earlier monthly breakdowns to a comprehensive half-year review.
In our May 2025 analysis (available here), we highlighted that India recorded 90,542 EV sales for the entirety of 2024. In contrast, H1'25 alone accounts for 70,600 units based on Vahan data updated as of July 4, 2025, 15:30 Hours IST. Comparing this year’s H1 figures directly with the previous year’s total would be futile, given the surge driven by the launch of newer models and a growing interest in EVs across the nation. This momentum, fueled by innovative designs and enhanced public trust, sets the stage for a fresh perspective. Note that Vahan data does not include Telangana State figures.
In this blog, we’ll focus on comparing H1'25 sales values across EVs, hybrids, and non-EV/non-hybrid vehicles to uncover emerging trends. We’ll also dissect the performance of the top five original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) shaping the EV landscape. Finally, we’ll explore the states leading the charge in EV adoption, shedding light on regional dynamics. All data is sourced from the Vahan registration records, ensuring a reliable foundation for our insights.
Stay tuned as we unravel the evolving story of EV adoption in India!
The first half of 2025 (H1'25) offers a compelling snapshot of India’s automotive market, with electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as a standout performer amid evolving trends across powertrains. This section analyzes sales trends for EVs, hybrids, and non-EV/non-hybrid vehicles, drawing insights from the provided graph.
The graph features a dual-axis comparison: the primary vertical axis displays actual sales numbers for EVs and hybrids, while the secondary vertical axis shows values for non-EV/non-hybrid and total sales in thousands. Total vehicle sales began at an impressive 535,136 units in January, gradually declining to 347,907 units by June. A natural dip in February is noticeable, with sales dropping across all categories, largely due to the typical slowdown following January’s year-end discounts of the previous year's models that drive high registration numbers.
EVs, however, bucked the trend with remarkable growth. Their share of total sales rose from 2% in January to 3.7% in June, totaling 3% share for H1'25. This upward trajectory gained significant momentum in March, fueled by the launch of Mahindra’s XEV 9e and BE 6. The futuristic design and hi-tech software integration of these models intrigued buyers, boosting EV sales. While the actual nominal values of EVs remain low, the trend lines and comparison to previous year values, clearly indicate that EVs are gaining traction. This shift sets an optimistic tone for the future, with new launches awaited in H2'25 raising expectations for the EV market share to surpass 5% by December 2025.
Other major OEMs like Tata Motors and MG India maintained stability, contributing to a steeper rise in EV sales compared to other powertrains. This stability held steady through April, May, and June, while hybrids and non-EV/non-hybrid categories continued their downward trend. The data highlights a growing preference for EVs, driven by innovative offerings and sustained demand, paving the way for potential market shifts in the latter half of 2025.
The electric vehicle (EV) market in India during H1'25 has been dominated by five key original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as revealed through Vahan data insights. These players have shaped the evolving landscape, with varying degrees of success and challenges. Let’s break down their performance based on sales figures and market dynamics.
Tata Motors leads the pack with an impressive 26,226 units sold in H1'25. The top performers include the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV 45kWh, and Tata Curvv, catering to diverse price segments. However, despite the highest absolute sales among competitors, these numbers fall below expectations, given that Tata offers five EVs across various price points designed to appeal to the masses. The spotlight now turns to the upcoming Harrier EV launch, with high hopes that it will not only boost Harrier sales but also re-ignite interest in the brand’s other models, revitalizing overall performance.
Securing the second spot, MG India recorded 23,528 units sold. The sales are primarily driven by the MG Windsor EV, and some bolstered by heavy discounts on the soon-to-be-discontinued MG ZS EV. MG also offers the Comet EV which puts up decent numbers as well considering the niche segment it caters. With the upcoming launch of the MG ES5 EV, there’s optimism that MG can sustain this strong trend, leveraging new models to maintain momentum in the competitive market.
Mahindra follows with 12,121 units, where the Mahindra XEV 9e and Mahindra BE 6 have been the main drivers, as highlighted earlier. Currently, only one variant of each is available, with on-road prices exceeding ₹28 lakh, making the sales figures notably impressive. However, the landscape shifted with the Harrier EV launch, which undercuts the pricing of these BEV twins, leading to a shift in lower-variant bookings toward the Harrier. Mahindra has introduced the Pack 2 variant with a 79kWh battery capacity for both models, but delays in lower-variant deliveries pose a challenge. Swift action is needed to resume these deliveries and sustain the momentum.
Hyundai ranks fourth with 3,902 sales, offering two EVs: the Creta Electric as the primary contributor and some sales of the CKD-assembled Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, Creta Electric sales have been disappointing. As noted in our previous month’s blog (available here), pricing is a key deterrent, with similar specifications and features available in other EVs at lower costs. Additionally, concerns about the NMC battery pack and the low ground clearance from it visibly hanging under the vehicle, have deterred potential buyers, further impacting sales.
Rounding out the top five, BYD achieved 2,337 units sold, offering four Completely Built-Up (CBU) EVs in India. The flagship models, BYD Seal and Sealion 7, lead the charge, with Sealion 7—whose deliveries began last month—meeting expectations and cultivating a fanbase among buyers in the ₹50 lakh price bracket. This premium positioning highlights BYD’s niche strength in the luxury EV segment.
Month-on-month (MoM) figures from May to June reveal critical trends. Hyundai’s sales plummeted by 20% in June and over 17% the previous month, signaling an urgent need for price corrections to remain competitive—failure to act may see them drop off the top charts. In contrast, Mahindra rebounded with a 9.52% increase, while Tata and MG provided stability to the market. Remarkably, these five OEMs collectively account for over 96% of total EV sales in H1'25, underscoring their dominance.
The diverse performances of these OEMs make for an intriguing narrative, setting the stage for a competitive H2'25 as new launches and strategic adjustments unfold.
The regional distribution of electric vehicle (EV) sales in India during H1'25 reveals a clear pattern of leadership and adoption, driven by a combination of policy support and market readiness. This section explores the top five states and union territories (UTs) shaping the EV landscape, based on Vahan data insights.
Maharashtra emerges as the clear winner with 11,674 sales in H1'25, a testament to its proactive EV policies. The state’s leadership has formulated initiatives like free tolls on state highways and a robust subsidy package, creating an ecosystem that encourages higher EV adoption. This strong policy influence is evident as Maharashtra outpaces the second-place state by over 3,000 units, solidifying its position as a pioneer in India’s EV revolution.
Kerala follows with 8,206 units sold, showcasing significant EV uptake. While specific policy details are less highlighted, the state’s growing infrastructure and consumer interest contribute to its strong second-place standing, though it trails Maharashtra by a notable margin.
Karnataka ranks third with 7,882 units, reflecting its tech-savvy urban centers and supportive policies. Delhi, with 6,004 units, leverages its push for cleaner air and EV incentives, while Tamil Nadu rounds out the top five with 5,851 units, driven by its industrial base and emerging EV manufacturing hubs. Together, these five States/UTs account for 56% of total EV sales in the country (exclusion of Telangana State figures from the data).
The dominance of these five regions underscores the critical role of state-level policies and infrastructure in driving EV adoption. Maharashtra’s lead highlights how targeted incentives can accelerate market growth, setting a benchmark for others. As India moves toward H2'25, the regional influence will likely intensify, with potential for other states to close the gap through similar strategic efforts.
H1'25 has been a remarkable period for electric vehicles (EVs) in India, marking a significant step toward gaining the recognition they deserve. With a growing market share, innovative launches like Mahindra’s XEV 9e and BE 6, and strong regional leadership from states like Maharashtra, the EV sector has showcased its potential to reshape the automotive landscape. The data from Vahan, analyzed throughout this blog, highlights a clear upward trajectory, despite the challenges ahead.
However, there is still some way to go before EVs dominate the market. Platforms like ElecTree are committed to pushing the boundaries by busting myths, amplifying success stories and addressing the challenges faced by the industry. By fostering transparency and collaboration, we aim to support the entire EV ecosystem—OEMs, policymakers, and consumers—to grow together. As we head into H2'25 with new launches and evolving policies, the journey toward a sustainable future continues, and we’ll be here to guide and inform every step of the way.
Great analysis. The EV wave is here. People need to ride it before the benefits dwindle.
06, July 2025
Thank you! You are absolutely right. The influencers who have zero knowledge on EVs sway the fence sitters in the wrong direction. They have no idea what they are missing.
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training. He holds a Master's degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics and has worked in credit, retail banking, and financial stress testing at Barclays and American Express. He founded ElecTree in 2023 — building it into India's dedicated platform for 4-wheeler EV data, sales analysis, and original reporting. His work sits at the intersection of economic analysis and electric mobility — bringing a banker's rigour to a sector that deserves it.