Tata Motors vs Other EV Companies: Who Rules India’s Electric Car Market?
India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is growing quickly, and Tata Motors is still in the lead. However, many other car companies are now fighting for a bigger share of this fast-growing market. Let’s see how Tata compares with its main rivals and what factors are shaping the EV competition in India.
Tata Motors: The First Mover and Market Leader
Tata Motors started early in India’s EV journey and has built a strong base. In the financial year 2025, Tata sold around 57,600 electric vehicles, giving it about 53.5% of the total market. Even though this share is lower than last year’s 70.5%, Tata still remains the number one brand for electric cars in India.
Tata’s EV range includes the popular Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Nexon EV, Punch EV, and the upcoming Curvv EV. The company’s main goal has been to bring affordable electric cars to Indian families. With prices starting around ₹7.99 lakh for the Tiago EV, Tata has made EVs reachable for more people compared to high-priced imported options.
Tata Motors has also invested heavily in technology and infrastructure. It plans to spend about ₹18,000 crore over the next six years to develop 10 new EV models by the end of FY26. Along with this, Tata is working with other companies from the Tata Group, like Tata Power (for charging stations) and Tata AutoComp (for parts), to build a complete EV ecosystem. This teamwork helps solve key issues like charging availability and battery supply.
MG Motor India: The Fastest Riser
MG Motor has quickly become a strong contender in the EV space. Its new Windsor EV has turned out to be a bestseller since its launch in late 2024. In FY2025, MG’s market share jumped to 28%, up from just 12.8% the previous year. The company sold over 20,000 units within months of launching the Windsor EV.
One smart move by MG has been its battery rental plan, where customers can buy the car without paying for the battery upfront, reducing the cost of ownership. This model has been popular among urban buyers who want flexibility and lower initial costs.
Mahindra & Mahindra: The Born-Electric Strategy
Mahindra is another major Indian brand making waves in the electric segment. After a slow start, Mahindra’s new BE-series electric vehicles, including the XUV400 and BE 6, have impressed buyers with bold designs and powerful performance.
In 2025, Mahindra’s EV market share grew to around 22.9%, up from 6.2% the year before. This major growth came from Mahindra’s strategy to design fully electric models from the ground up — not just convert petrol cars into EVs. That approach gives their vehicles better performance, more interior space, and a cleaner design suited for EV technology.
Hyundai Motor India: Global Expertise, Local Ambition
Hyundai, the global automobile giant, entered India’s EV market with models like the Creta Electric and Ioniq 5. In FY2025, it sold around 2,400 electric cars, which gave it a 2.2% market share. Although that’s small compared to Tata or MG, Hyundai’s brand trust, quality, and international EV experience could help it scale faster in the coming years.
Hyundai’s focus has been on offering premium and high-tech EVs first, before introducing more affordable options. The company is also investing in localized battery production and charging tie-ups in India, signaling long-term commitment to the market.
Other Global and Indian Players
Several other brands are joining the competition too:
BYD (Build Your Dreams): The Chinese automaker has found early success with models like the Atto 3 and Seal. In FY2025, BYD reported a 90% year-on-year jump in sales, showing strong acceptance among EV enthusiasts who prefer premium features.
Citroën: The French carmaker launched the eC3, a compact EV suited for city driving. However, it has struggled to attract large numbers of buyers so far due to pricing and limited range.
Maruti Suzuki: The country’s largest car company by overall sales is preparing to launch the e-Vitara, its first major electric SUV. It’s expected to arrive soon and could change the mid-range EV market, especially if it’s competitively priced.
What’s Driving EV Competition in India
India’s EV race isn’t just about who sells the most cars. Several factors affect this fast-changing market:
Variety of Models: Companies that offer options for all budgets — from small cars to SUVs — will naturally attract more buyers. Tata currently leads here with its wide range.
Affordable Pricing: Price remains the top concern for Indian consumers. Tata’s lower-priced EVs appeal to middle-class families more than premium models from Hyundai or BYD.
Charging Infrastructure: People want easy and reliable charging options. Tata’s partnership with Tata Power gives it an advantage in expanding charging networks nationwide.
Technology and Innovation: Features like voice control, fast-charging, and connected car apps boost buyer interest. MG’s battery rental plan, for example, is a unique innovation in India’s market.
Government Support: EV adoption has benefited greatly from central and state government incentives, like subsidies and reduced taxes. The government’s FAME-II scheme continues to play a key role in keeping EVs more affordable.
Public Awareness and Sustainability: Growing concern about fuel prices and the environment is also pushing more Indian customers towards electric vehicles.
Challenges Ahead
Even with rising popularity, EVs still face some serious challenges in India:
Charging infrastructure is still limited in smaller towns.
Battery recycling and disposal systems are not fully developed.
Some consumers remain unsure about the long-term cost and resale value of EVs.
These challenges means that carmakers will have to continue investing in better batteries, affordable pricing, user education, and faster charging solutions.
The Road Ahead
As the EV market matures, each company is refining its game plan:
Tata Motors plans to launch ten new electric vehicles by FY26, possibly including an electric Harrier and Sierra.
MG Motor may expand local production to bring down costs.
Mahindra aims to export its India-made EVs to international markets.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to play a big part with its volume-driven strategy once its first EV rolls out.
Competition will intensify as global players like Tesla and BYD expand their presence. But Tata’s strong local manufacturing base, group support system, and customer trust give it a firm grip. With early adoption and continued innovation, Tata Motors remains the “EV boss” in India for now — but the race is far from over.
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